CR

Coleocephalocereus diersianus

Declining

Overview

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

Coleocephalocereus diersianus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban expansion in its restricted range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with quarrying operations directly destroying populations. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to remaining wild populations of this rare columnar cactus.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species is endemic to rocky outcrops and limestone formations in the cerrado and caatinga regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It grows specifically on steep rocky slopes and cliff faces where it is adapted to extremely arid conditions and shallow soils.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recovery

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EN

Siccobaccatus insigniflorus

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Arrojadoa multiflora

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Micranthocereus hofackerianus

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VU

Corryocactus erectus

Stable

Threatened in Brazil

Argentinean Horned FrogVU

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Mussismilia hispida

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Myrcia carioca

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Coleocephalocereus diersianus classified as Critically Endangered?
Coleocephalocereus diersianus 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. Coleocephalocereus diersianus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to mining activities and urban expansion in its restricted range in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, with quarrying operations directly destroying populations. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to remaining wild populations of this rare columnar cactus.
Where does Coleocephalocereus diersianus live?
Coleocephalocereus diersianus 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 Coleocephalocereus diersianus?
The main threats to Coleocephalocereus diersianus are 2.3, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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