CR

Beaucarnea hiriartiae

Declining

Overview

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

Beaucarnea hiriartiae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in Oaxaca, Mexico. The species is further threatened by overcollection for the horticultural trade, as its distinctive swollen stem base makes it highly sought after by succulent collectors. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns in its already arid habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits dry tropical scrublands and rocky slopes in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico, typically growing on limestone substrates at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. It occurs in xerophytic vegetation communities characterized by sparse canopy cover and well-drained soils.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservationLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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CR

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Opuntia pachyrrhiza

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Beaucarnea hiriartiae classified as Critically Endangered?
Beaucarnea hiriartiae 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. Beaucarnea hiriartiae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its restricted range in Oaxaca, Mexico. The species is further threatened by overcollection for the horticultural trade, as its distinctive swollen stem base makes it highly sought after by succulent collectors. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns in its already arid habitat.
Where does Beaucarnea hiriartiae live?
Beaucarnea hiriartiae 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 Beaucarnea hiriartiae?
The main threats to Beaucarnea hiriartiae are 2.1, 2.3, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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