Palma blanca
VU

Palma blanca

Sabal uresana

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabal_uresana

Overview

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

Sabal uresana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that have fragmented its native habitat in northwestern Mexico. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its extremely limited range, being endemic to a small area in Sonora state. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the understory vegetation that young palms depend on for establishment, while direct harvesting of palm fronds for traditional uses adds additional stress to remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Sabal uresana inhabits tropical deciduous forests and oak woodlands in the foothills and lower mountain slopes of northwestern Mexico. The species typically grows in well-drained soils along arroyos and canyon bottoms where moisture is retained during dry periods.

Other threatened species in Arecaceae

CR

Reinhardtia koschnyana

Unknown
VU

Attalea nucifera

Unknown
Aiphanes graminifoliaCR

Aiphanes graminifolia

Unknown
VU

Ceroxylon parvifrons

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Palma blanca classified as Vulnerable?
Palma blanca is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Sabal uresana faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and cattle ranching activities that have fragmented its native habitat in northwestern Mexico. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its extremely limited range, being endemic to a small area in Sonora state. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the understory vegetation that young palms depend on for establishment, while direct harvesting of palm fronds for traditional uses adds additional stress to remaining populations.
Where does Palma blanca live?
Palma blanca occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Palma blanca?
The main threats to Palma blanca 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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