CR

Cipocereus pusilliflorus

Stable

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Cipocereus pusilliflorus faces severe threats from mining activities and quarrying operations that directly destroy its rocky outcrop habitat in the Espinhaço Range. Urban expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining populations, while invasive plant species compete for limited growing space on the specialized rock formations this cactus requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cactus species inhabits rocky outcrops and quartzite formations in the Espinhaço Range of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It grows specifically on exposed rock faces and crevices in the campos rupestres ecosystem at elevations between 900-1,200 meters.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cipocereus pusilliflorus classified as Critically Endangered?
Cipocereus pusilliflorus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Cipocereus pusilliflorus faces severe threats from mining activities and quarrying operations that directly destroy its rocky outcrop habitat in the Espinhaço Range. Urban expansion and infrastructure development continue to fragment the remaining populations, while invasive plant species compete for limited growing space on the specialized rock formations this cactus requires.
Where does Cipocereus pusilliflorus live?
Cipocereus pusilliflorus occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cipocereus pusilliflorus?
The main threats to Cipocereus pusilliflorus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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