VU

Drakensberg Cycad

Encephalartos ghellinckii

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos ghellinckii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range has further reduced available suitable sites. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult even when threats are reduced.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in coastal and inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, typically growing in well-drained soils among indigenous vegetation. It occurs in both coastal forest margins and inland grassland transitions, often in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Marine coastal/supratidal· majorShrubland· majorGrassland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in ZAMIACEAE

CR

Encephalartos macrostrobilus

Declining
EN

Zamia splendens

Declining
CR

Zamia wallisii

Declining
CR

Zamia lucayana

Unknown

Threatened in South Africa

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
Cape GannetEN

Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Drakensberg Cycad classified as Vulnerable?
Drakensberg 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. Encephalartos ghellinckii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range has further reduced available suitable sites. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult even when threats are reduced.
Where does Drakensberg Cycad live?
Drakensberg Cycad occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Drakensberg Cycad?
The main threats to Drakensberg 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.