Encephalartos inopinus
CR

Encephalartos inopinus

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

Encephalartos inopinus faces severe threats from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors worldwide. The species' extremely limited population and restricted range make it particularly vulnerable to over-harvesting. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and human settlement development further compounds the pressure on remaining wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in grassland and savanna environments of South Africa. It typically grows in well-drained soils among scattered trees and shrubs in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos inopinus classified as Critically Endangered?
Encephalartos inopinus 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 inopinus faces severe threats from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, as cycads are highly prized by collectors worldwide. The species' extremely limited population and restricted range make it particularly vulnerable to over-harvesting. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and human settlement development further compounds the pressure on remaining wild populations.
Where does Encephalartos inopinus live?
Encephalartos inopinus occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos inopinus?
The main threats to Encephalartos inopinus 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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