CR

Msinga Cycad

Encephalartos msinganus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos msinganus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature plants commanding extremely high prices that drive continued poaching from wild populations. Habitat degradation through agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further reduced the species' already limited range in the Msinga area of KwaZulu-Natal. The species' extremely slow growth rate and late reproductive maturity make population recovery exceptionally difficult once individuals are removed from the wild.

Threat summary

Habitat

Encephalartos msinganus occurs in rocky grassland and bushveld habitats in the Msinga area of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, typically growing on steep slopes and rocky outcrops. The species is adapted to the region's semi-arid conditions and seasonal rainfall patterns.

Shrubland· majorGrassland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Msinga Cycad classified as Critically Endangered?
Msinga Cycad 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. Encephalartos msinganus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature plants commanding extremely high prices that drive continued poaching from wild populations. Habitat degradation through agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further reduced the species' already limited range in the Msinga area of KwaZulu-Natal. The species' extremely slow growth rate and late reproductive maturity make population recovery exceptionally difficult once individuals are removed from the wild.
Where does Msinga Cycad live?
Msinga Cycad occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Msinga Cycad?
The main threats to Msinga Cycad are 5.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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