EN

Dioon purpusii

Declining

Overview

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

Dioon purpusii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat destruction through agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range in Oaxaca, Mexico, has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes recovery from population declines exceptionally difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

Dioon purpusii inhabits dry tropical forests and oak-pine woodlands in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, typically growing on rocky slopes and canyon walls at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters. The species requires well-drained soils and partial shade provided by the forest canopy.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Dioon purpusii classified as Endangered?
Dioon purpusii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Dioon purpusii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices due to their rarity and slow growth rates. Habitat destruction through agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range in Oaxaca, Mexico, has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow reproductive cycle, taking decades to reach maturity, makes recovery from population declines exceptionally difficult.
Where does Dioon purpusii live?
Dioon purpusii occurs in Canada, Mexico, Thailand, and 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 Dioon purpusii?
The main threats to Dioon purpusii 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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