Agave cupreata
EN

Agave cupreata

Declining

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

Overview

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

Agave cupreata faces severe pressure from overharvesting for mezcal production, particularly in its native Michoacán and Guerrero states where traditional distilleries rely heavily on wild populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate, taking 8-12 years to mature, makes it highly vulnerable to unsustainable extraction practices. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing further compounds population declines, while climate change threatens the specific elevation zones where this endemic agave thrives.

Threat summary

Habitat

Agave cupreata inhabits dry oak and pine-oak forests at elevations between 1,200-2,000 meters in the mountainous regions of western Mexico. The species grows on rocky slopes and volcanic soils with good drainage, typically in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Forest· majorForest - Temperate· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in ASPARAGACEAE

CR

Chlorophytum herrmannii

Unknown
EN

Asparagus radiatus

Unknown
CR

Prospero talosii

Unknown
EN

Beaucarnea gracilis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Agave cupreata classified as Endangered?
Agave cupreata is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Agave cupreata faces severe pressure from overharvesting for mezcal production, particularly in its native Michoacán and Guerrero states where traditional distilleries rely heavily on wild populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate, taking 8-12 years to mature, makes it highly vulnerable to unsustainable extraction practices. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and livestock grazing further compounds population declines, while climate change threatens the specific elevation zones where this endemic agave thrives.
Where does Agave cupreata live?
Agave cupreata occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Agave cupreata?
The main threats to Agave cupreata 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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