Cycas debaoensis
CR

Cycas debaoensis

Declining

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

Overview

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

Cycas debaoensis faces severe population decline due to overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized ornamental plants. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying in its restricted karst landscape has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad is endemic to limestone karst formations in Guangxi Province, China, growing in rocky crevices and thin soils on steep limestone slopes. It typically occurs in subtropical forest margins and scrubland at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies reintroductionLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycas debaoensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Cycas debaoensis 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. Cycas debaoensis faces severe population decline due to overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized ornamental plants. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying in its restricted karst landscape has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult.
Where does Cycas debaoensis live?
Cycas debaoensis occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycas debaoensis?
The main threats to Cycas debaoensis are 5.4, 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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