CR

Coccothrinax leonis

Declining

Overview

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

Coccothrinax leonis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted Cuban range. The species is particularly vulnerable to mining activities and infrastructure development that fragment its already limited populations. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the small remaining stands of this endemic palm.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban palm inhabits dry coastal forests and scrublands on limestone substrates, typically growing in areas with well-drained soils. It occurs in fragmented patches of native vegetation that have largely been converted to agricultural or urban use.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Coccothrinax leonis classified as Critically Endangered?
Coccothrinax leonis 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 leonis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted Cuban range. The species is particularly vulnerable to mining activities and infrastructure development that fragment its already limited populations. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the small remaining stands of this endemic palm.
Where does Coccothrinax leonis live?
Coccothrinax leonis 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 leonis?
The main threats to Coccothrinax leonis 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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