CRCritically Endangered

Mammillaria glochidiata

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Mammillaria glochidiata faces severe population decline due to illegal collection for the international cactus trade, where its distinctive appearance makes it highly sought after by collectors. Urban expansion and agricultural development in its limited range have destroyed critical habitat, while overgrazing by livestock degrades the remaining desert scrubland. Climate change intensifies drought conditions in its already arid environment, reducing the species' ability to reproduce and survive extended dry periods.
Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits arid desert scrublands and rocky slopes in the Chihuahuan Desert region of Mexico, typically growing among limestone outcrops and gravelly soils at elevations between 1,000-1,500 meters. It requires well-drained substrates and occurs in association with other desert succulents and xerophytic shrubs.

Desert· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislation

Other threatened species in CACTACEAE

Threatened in Mexico

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mammillaria glochidiata classified as Critically Endangered?

Mammillaria glochidiata 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. Mammillaria glochidiata faces severe population decline due to illegal collection for the international cactus trade, where its distinctive appearance makes it highly sought after by collectors. Urban expansion and agricultural development in its limited range have destroyed critical habitat, while overgrazing by livestock degrades the remaining desert scrubland. Climate change intensifies drought conditions in its already arid environment, reducing the species' ability to reproduce and survive extended dry periods.

Where does Mammillaria glochidiata live?

Mammillaria glochidiata occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Mammillaria glochidiata?

The main threats to Mammillaria glochidiata 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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