CR

Encephalartos whitelockii

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos whitelockii faces severe threats from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature plants commanding extremely high prices on black markets. The species' extremely restricted range in the Lebombo Mountains makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development further compounds pressure on remaining wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad is endemic to rocky outcrops and steep slopes in the Lebombo Mountains along the South Africa-Swaziland border. It grows in grassland and savanna habitats on quartzite and sandstone substrates at elevations between 300-600 meters.

Savanna· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos whitelockii classified as Critically Endangered?
Encephalartos whitelockii 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 whitelockii faces severe threats from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature plants commanding extremely high prices on black markets. The species' extremely restricted range in the Lebombo Mountains makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development further compounds pressure on remaining wild populations.
Where does Encephalartos whitelockii live?
Encephalartos whitelockii occurs in Uganda. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos whitelockii?
The main threats to Encephalartos whitelockii are 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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