CR

Encephalartos macrostrobilus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos macrostrobilus faces severe population decline due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range. With fewer than 50 mature individuals remaining in fragmented populations, the species is critically vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in coastal and inland areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It typically grows in grassland and savanna environments with well-drained soils at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Forest· majorSavanna· majorGrassland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos macrostrobilus classified as Critically Endangered?
Encephalartos macrostrobilus 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. Encephalartos macrostrobilus faces severe population decline due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited South African range. With fewer than 50 mature individuals remaining in fragmented populations, the species is critically vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Where does Encephalartos macrostrobilus live?
Encephalartos macrostrobilus occurs in Uganda. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos macrostrobilus?
The main threats to Encephalartos macrostrobilus are 1.1, 2.1, 3.2, and 7.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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