CR

Ngotshe Cycad

Encephalartos aemulans

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos aemulans faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Mining activities and infrastructure development have also contributed to habitat fragmentation and direct population losses.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in grassland and savanna regions of South Africa. It typically grows in well-drained soils among scattered trees and shrubs in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Grassland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementLegislation

Other threatened species in ZAMIACEAE

CR

Encephalartos macrostrobilus

Declining
EN

Zamia splendens

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CR

Zamia wallisii

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CR

Zamia lucayana

Unknown

Threatened in South Africa

VU

Copper Shark

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EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

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Cape GannetEN

Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

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Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ngotshe Cycad classified as Critically Endangered?
Ngotshe 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 aemulans faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. Mining activities and infrastructure development have also contributed to habitat fragmentation and direct population losses.
Where does Ngotshe Cycad live?
Ngotshe 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 Ngotshe Cycad?
The main threats to Ngotshe Cycad 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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