CR

Quercus hinckleyi

Declining

Overview

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

Quercus hinckleyi faces severe population decline due to its extremely limited range in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park, Texas. The species is threatened by prolonged drought conditions that have intensified with climate change, reducing recruitment and survival rates. Browsing pressure from deer and other herbivores further limits regeneration, while the small population size makes the species vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.

Threat summary

Habitat

Quercus hinckleyi occupies rocky slopes and canyon bottoms in the Chisos Mountains of West Texas, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations between 3,500-5,500 feet. The species is adapted to the arid Chihuahuan Desert environment, forming small groves in protected microsites with slightly higher moisture availability.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Quercus hinckleyi classified as Critically Endangered?
Quercus hinckleyi 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. Quercus hinckleyi faces severe population decline due to its extremely limited range in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park, Texas. The species is threatened by prolonged drought conditions that have intensified with climate change, reducing recruitment and survival rates. Browsing pressure from deer and other herbivores further limits regeneration, while the small population size makes the species vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks.
Where does Quercus hinckleyi live?
Quercus hinckleyi occurs in Mexico, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Quercus hinckleyi?
The main threats to Quercus hinckleyi are 11.1, 12.1, 5.3, and 8.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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