CR

Pygmaeocereus bylesianus

Declining

Overview

Pygmaeocereus bylesianus, synonym Haageocereus bylesianus, is a critically endangered species of cactus from Peru.

Pygmaeocereus bylesianus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural development in its extremely limited range in Peru. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining populations of this endemic cactus. The species' slow growth rate and specialized habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this cactus depends upon.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cactus inhabits dry rocky slopes and desert scrublands in the coastal regions of Peru, typically growing in well-drained sandy or rocky soils. It occurs in extremely arid environments with specialized microclimatic conditions that support its survival in one of the world's driest deserts.

Desert· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pygmaeocereus bylesianus classified as Critically Endangered?
Pygmaeocereus bylesianus 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. Pygmaeocereus bylesianus faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban expansion and agricultural development in its extremely limited range in Peru. Mining activities and infrastructure development have further fragmented the remaining populations of this endemic cactus. The species' slow growth rate and specialized habitat requirements make recovery particularly challenging, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microclimatic conditions this cactus depends upon.
Where does Pygmaeocereus bylesianus live?
Pygmaeocereus bylesianus occurs in Peru. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pygmaeocereus bylesianus?
The main threats to Pygmaeocereus bylesianus are 1.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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