Cycad
VU

Cycad

Cycas cairnsiana

UnknownVUAU

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

Overview

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

Cycas cairnsiana faces significant pressure from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion around Cairns, Queensland. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized ornamental plants. Fire regimes altered by human activity pose an additional threat, as this cycad requires specific fire intervals for successful regeneration.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad is endemic to the wet tropical lowlands near Cairns in northeastern Queensland, Australia, where it grows in open eucalyptus woodlands and forest margins. It typically occurs on well-drained soils in areas that experience seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of the region's monsoonal climate.

Other threatened species in Cycadaceae

VU

Cycas desolata

Unknown
VU

Cycad

Cycas silvestris

Unknown
VU

Cycas cupida

Unknown
VU

Cycas condaoensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycad classified as Vulnerable?
Cycad is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Cycas cairnsiana faces significant pressure from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion around Cairns, Queensland. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized ornamental plants. Fire regimes altered by human activity pose an additional threat, as this cycad requires specific fire intervals for successful regeneration.
Where does Cycad live?
Cycad occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycad?
The main threats to Cycad 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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