Cryosophila williamsii
CR

Cryosophila williamsii

Stable

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

Overview

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

Cryosophila williamsii faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while its slow growth rate and specialized ecological requirements limit natural recovery. Palm harvesting for construction materials and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations, with remaining stands increasingly isolated in forest fragments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This palm species inhabits humid lowland and premontane forests of Central America, typically growing in the understory and forest edges at elevations up to 800 meters. It prefers well-drained soils in areas with consistent moisture and partial shade provided by the forest canopy.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cryosophila williamsii classified as Critically Endangered?
Cryosophila williamsii 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. Cryosophila williamsii faces severe population decline primarily due to deforestation and agricultural expansion throughout its limited range in Central America. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, while its slow growth rate and specialized ecological requirements limit natural recovery. Palm harvesting for construction materials and ornamental use has further reduced wild populations, with remaining stands increasingly isolated in forest fragments.
Where does Cryosophila williamsii live?
Cryosophila williamsii occurs in Honduras. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cryosophila williamsii?
The main threats to Cryosophila williamsii are 11.1, 3.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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