CR

Opuntia abjecta

Unknown

Overview

Opuntia abjecta is a critically endangered cactus species endemic to the Florida Keys.

Opuntia abjecta faces severe threats from urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in the Florida Keys. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from coastal development projects and infrastructure construction. Hurricane damage and storm surge events pose additional risks to the remaining fragmented populations, while invasive plant species compete for the specialized coastal scrub habitat this cactus requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered cactus is endemic to coastal scrub habitats and pine rocklands in the Florida Keys. It typically grows in well-drained sandy soils and limestone substrates in areas with high salt tolerance near the coast.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in CACTACEAE

EN

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CR

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Opuntia megarrhiza

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Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

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Polyodon spathula

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Copper Shark

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Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Opuntia abjecta classified as Critically Endangered?
Opuntia abjecta 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. Opuntia abjecta faces severe threats from urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in the Florida Keys. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from coastal development projects and infrastructure construction. Hurricane damage and storm surge events pose additional risks to the remaining fragmented populations, while invasive plant species compete for the specialized coastal scrub habitat this cactus requires.
Where does Opuntia abjecta live?
Opuntia abjecta occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Opuntia abjecta?
The main threats to Opuntia abjecta are 11.1, 4.1, 5.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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