Cycas multipinnata
CR

Cycas multipinnata

Declining

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

Overview

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

Cycas multipinnata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its native forest habitats in southern China. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cycas multipinnata inhabits subtropical evergreen forests and forest margins in limestone karst regions of southern China, typically growing on rocky slopes and in forest understories at elevations between 200-800 meters. The species requires well-drained soils and partial shade conditions provided by the forest canopy.

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in CYCADACEAE

Cycas siamensisVU

Cycas siamensis

Declining
VU

Cycas nathorstii

Declining
EN

Cycas elephantipes

Declining
VU

Cycas nongnoochiae

Declining

Threatened in China

VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Golden Vietnamese Cypress

Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

Declining
VU

Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Declining
VU

Likiang Spruce

Picea likiangensis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycas multipinnata classified as Critically Endangered?
Cycas multipinnata 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. Cycas multipinnata faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive deforestation and agricultural conversion of its native forest habitats in southern China. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and urban development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery particularly challenging.
Where does Cycas multipinnata live?
Cycas multipinnata occurs in China, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycas multipinnata?
The main threats to Cycas multipinnata are 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and ai-1. 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.