CR

Lowveld Cycad

Encephalartos dyerianus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos dyerianus 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 coastal range. Mining activities and invasive plant species compound these pressures, while the cycad's extremely slow growth rate makes recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad is endemic to the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where it grows in coastal grasslands and bushveld on sandy soils. The species typically occurs on gentle slopes and coastal plains at elevations below 200 meters, often in areas with good drainage and partial shade from surrounding vegetation.

Savanna· majorShrubland· majorGrassland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Lowveld Cycad classified as Critically Endangered?
Lowveld Cycad 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 dyerianus 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 coastal range. Mining activities and invasive plant species compound these pressures, while the cycad's extremely slow growth rate makes recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult.
Where does Lowveld Cycad live?
Lowveld Cycad occurs in Belgium, South Africa, 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 Lowveld Cycad?
The main threats to Lowveld Cycad 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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