EN

Encephalartos delucanus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos delucanus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices among cycad collectors. The species' restricted range in the Lebombo Mountains makes entire populations vulnerable to over-harvesting. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and informal settlements further fragments the remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate prevents rapid recovery from collection pressure.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species is endemic to the Lebombo Mountains along the South Africa-Swaziland border, where it grows in rocky grassland and bushveld on steep slopes and cliff faces. It typically occurs at elevations between 200-800 meters in well-drained soils among scattered trees and shrubs.

Savanna· majorGrassland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Other threatened species in ZAMIACEAE

CR

Encephalartos macrostrobilus

Declining
EN

Zamia splendens

Declining
CR

Zamia wallisii

Declining
CR

Zamia lucayana

Unknown

Threatened in Tanzania

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Panicum pinifolium

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos delucanus classified as Endangered?
Encephalartos delucanus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Encephalartos delucanus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices among cycad collectors. The species' restricted range in the Lebombo Mountains makes entire populations vulnerable to over-harvesting. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and informal settlements further fragments the remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate prevents rapid recovery from collection pressure.
Where does Encephalartos delucanus live?
Encephalartos delucanus occurs in Tanzania. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos delucanus?
The main threats to Encephalartos delucanus 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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