CR

Microcycas calocoma

Declining

Overview

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

Microcycas calocoma faces severe population decline due to its extremely restricted range in western Cuba, where fewer than 600 mature individuals remain scattered across fragmented limestone hills. The species suffers from ongoing habitat degradation through agricultural expansion, quarrying activities, and urban development pressure. Natural regeneration is severely compromised by poor seed viability and recruitment failure, with most populations consisting of aging adults with little natural reproduction occurring.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cycad occurs exclusively in dry limestone hills and rocky outcrops in western Cuba, particularly in Pinar del Río Province. It grows in semi-deciduous forests and scrublands on well-drained calcareous soils, typically on steep slopes and cliff faces between 50-400 meters elevation.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Microcycas calocoma classified as Critically Endangered?
Microcycas calocoma 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. Microcycas calocoma faces severe population decline due to its extremely restricted range in western Cuba, where fewer than 600 mature individuals remain scattered across fragmented limestone hills. The species suffers from ongoing habitat degradation through agricultural expansion, quarrying activities, and urban development pressure. Natural regeneration is severely compromised by poor seed viability and recruitment failure, with most populations consisting of aging adults with little natural reproduction occurring.
Where does Microcycas calocoma live?
Microcycas calocoma 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 Microcycas calocoma?
The main threats to Microcycas calocoma are 5.3, 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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