EN

Ceratozamia chimalapensis

Declining

Overview

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

Ceratozamia chimalapensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Chimalapas region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while illegal collection for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to remaining populations. Climate change may further stress this endemic cycad by altering the specific microclimatic conditions it requires in montane cloud forests.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cycad inhabits montane cloud forests in the Chimalapas region of Oaxaca, Mexico, typically growing on steep slopes and rocky outcrops at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters. The species requires the humid, misty conditions characteristic of these cloud forest ecosystems, often growing in association with oak and pine forests.

Forest· majorForest - Temperate· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionHabitat & natural process restorationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ceratozamia chimalapensis classified as Endangered?
Ceratozamia chimalapensis 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. Ceratozamia chimalapensis faces severe pressure from deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Chimalapas region of Oaxaca, Mexico. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while illegal collection for the horticultural trade poses an additional threat to remaining populations. Climate change may further stress this endemic cycad by altering the specific microclimatic conditions it requires in montane cloud forests.
Where does Ceratozamia chimalapensis live?
Ceratozamia chimalapensis 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 Ceratozamia chimalapensis?
The main threats to Ceratozamia chimalapensis 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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