Mammillaria pennispinosa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Mammillaria pennispinosa faces severe population decline due to illegal collection for the international cactus trade, where its distinctive feathery spines make it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction from urban expansion and agricultural conversion in its limited range around Guanajuato, Mexico, has further fragmented the remaining populations. Mining activities and limestone quarrying in the region pose additional threats to the specialized rocky habitats this species requires.
Habitat
This species is endemic to limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the semi-arid regions of Guanajuato, Mexico, where it grows in crevices and on steep slopes with well-drained soils. It typically occurs in xerophytic scrubland vegetation at elevations between 1,800-2,200 meters.
