Coccothrinax guantanamensis
CR

Coccothrinax guantanamensis

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccothrinax_guantanamensis

Overview

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

Coccothrinax guantanamensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its extremely limited range around Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining populations. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with some subpopulations already eliminated by human activities.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban palm inhabits dry coastal scrublands and rocky limestone substrates in the Guantánamo Bay region of southeastern Cuba. It grows in xerophytic vegetation communities on serpentine soils and coastal terraces at low elevations.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Coccothrinax guantanamensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Coccothrinax guantanamensis 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. Coccothrinax guantanamensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its extremely limited range around Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining populations. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with some subpopulations already eliminated by human activities.
Where does Coccothrinax guantanamensis live?
Coccothrinax guantanamensis occurs in Cuba. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Coccothrinax guantanamensis?
The main threats to Coccothrinax guantanamensis are 2.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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