CR

Cycas chamaoensis

Declining

Overview

Cycas chamaoensis is named after the only known habitat of this species, on and near Khao Chamao mountain in Khao Chamao District, Thailand. Stems are arborescent, either erect or decumbent. Leaves numerous, exceeding 60 per crown, 1.2-2.5 meters in length, ending in terminal spine. Petiole 30–60 cm, glabrous and partially spiny. Leaflets in 85-155 pairs, and lanceolate, glabrous and angled forward at 60-70 degrees.

Cycas chamaoensis faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate severely limits natural recovery potential.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cycas chamaoensis inhabits tropical limestone karst formations and rocky outcrops in southern China. The species grows in well-drained soils on steep slopes and cliff faces, typically in areas with high humidity and partial shade from surrounding vegetation.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in CYCADACEAE

Cycas siamensisVU

Cycas siamensis

Declining
VU

Cycas nathorstii

Declining
EN

Cycas elephantipes

Declining
VU

Cycas nongnoochiae

Declining

Threatened in Thailand

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

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EN

Montipora calcarea

Declining
EN

Wrinkled Hornbill

Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus

Declining
VU

Mitrephora vulpina

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cycas chamaoensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Cycas chamaoensis 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. Cycas chamaoensis faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species is further threatened by overcollection for horticultural trade, as cycads are highly valued ornamental plants. Mining activities and infrastructure development have fragmented remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate severely limits natural recovery potential.
Where does Cycas chamaoensis live?
Cycas chamaoensis occurs in Thailand. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cycas chamaoensis?
The main threats to Cycas chamaoensis 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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