Palma real
EN

Palma real

Attalea colenda

Unknown

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

Overview

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

Attalea colenda faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion, particularly oil palm plantations and cattle ranching that have fragmented its lowland forest habitat across Ecuador and Colombia. Selective logging targets mature palms for their valuable timber and heart-of-palm, while urban development continues to encroach on remaining populations. The species' slow growth rate and limited seed dispersal make recovery particularly challenging once local populations are eliminated.

Threat summary

Habitat

Attalea colenda inhabits lowland tropical rainforests and humid premontane forests from sea level to 800 meters elevation. The species typically grows in primary and secondary forest understory, along forest edges, and occasionally in disturbed areas with sufficient canopy cover.

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 real classified as Endangered?
Palma real 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. Attalea colenda faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion, particularly oil palm plantations and cattle ranching that have fragmented its lowland forest habitat across Ecuador and Colombia. Selective logging targets mature palms for their valuable timber and heart-of-palm, while urban development continues to encroach on remaining populations. The species' slow growth rate and limited seed dispersal make recovery particularly challenging once local populations are eliminated.
Where does Palma real live?
Palma real 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 real?
The main threats to Palma real 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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