CR

Cycas zeylanica

Declining

Overview

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

Cycas zeylanica faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Sri Lanka. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns affecting the dry zone forests where this ancient gymnosperm persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cycas zeylanica is endemic to the dry zone forests of Sri Lanka, typically found in rocky outcrops and well-drained soils in lowland areas. The species occurs in remnant forest patches and scrublands at elevations below 300 meters, often growing among granite boulders in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Forest· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in CYCADACEAE

Cycas siamensisVU

Cycas siamensis

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Cycas nathorstii

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EN

Cycas elephantipes

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Cycas nongnoochiae

Declining

Threatened in India

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Khaire's Black Shieldtail

Melanophidium khairei

Unknown
Nilgiri Dancing FrogVU

Nilgiri Dancing Frog

Micrixalus phyllophilus

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Indian Star TortoiseVU

Indian Star Tortoise

Geochelone elegans

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Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycas zeylanica classified as Critically Endangered?
Cycas zeylanica 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 zeylanica faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Sri Lanka. The species is further threatened by illegal collection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns affecting the dry zone forests where this ancient gymnosperm persists.
Where does Cycas zeylanica live?
Cycas zeylanica occurs in India, and Sri Lanka. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycas zeylanica?
The main threats to Cycas zeylanica are 5.3, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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