VU

Mammillaria carretii

Unknown

Overview

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

Mammillaria carretii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, with its distinctive appearance making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in northeastern Mexico makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection events. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in the Tamaulipas region continue to fragment and destroy the specialized limestone habitats this cactus requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits dry limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the Chihuahuan Desert scrublands of northeastern Mexico. It grows in well-drained calcareous soils among thornscrub vegetation, typically at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Conservation measures underway

Legislation

Other threatened species in CACTACEAE

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Opuntia megarrhiza

Declining

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mammillaria carretii classified as Vulnerable?
Mammillaria carretii is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Mammillaria carretii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, with its distinctive appearance making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in northeastern Mexico makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection events. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in the Tamaulipas region continue to fragment and destroy the specialized limestone habitats this cactus requires.
Where does Mammillaria carretii live?
Mammillaria carretii occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mammillaria carretii?
The main threats to Mammillaria carretii 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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