EN

Chihuahua Spruce

Picea chihuahuana

Declining

Overview

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

Picea chihuahuana faces severe pressure from logging operations targeting its valuable timber, with commercial harvesting significantly reducing population numbers across its limited range. Climate change poses an escalating threat as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns push suitable habitat to higher elevations, while the species' restricted montane distribution leaves little room for upward migration. Livestock grazing in surrounding areas degrades forest understory and prevents natural regeneration of seedlings.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic spruce occupies cool, moist montane forests at elevations between 2,300-3,400 meters in the Sierra Madre Occidental of northwestern Mexico. It typically grows on north-facing slopes and canyon bottoms where temperatures remain moderate and moisture levels are sufficient to support coniferous forest ecosystems.

Other threatened species in PINACEAE

VU

Rzedowski's Pine

Pinus rzedowskii

Stable
VU

Dragon Spruce

Picea asperata

Declining
VU

Likiang Spruce

Picea likiangensis

Unknown
EN

Monterey Pine

Pinus radiata

Declining

Threatened in Mexico

EN

Turbinicarpus horripilus

Declining
CR

Turbinicarpus mandragora

Declining
EN

Opuntia pachyrrhiza

Declining
EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Chihuahua Spruce classified as Endangered?
Chihuahua Spruce 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. Picea chihuahuana faces severe pressure from logging operations targeting its valuable timber, with commercial harvesting significantly reducing population numbers across its limited range. Climate change poses an escalating threat as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns push suitable habitat to higher elevations, while the species' restricted montane distribution leaves little room for upward migration. Livestock grazing in surrounding areas degrades forest understory and prevents natural regeneration of seedlings.
Where does Chihuahua Spruce live?
Chihuahua Spruce occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Chihuahua Spruce?
The main threats to Chihuahua Spruce 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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