CR

Roystonea maisiana

Declining

Overview

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

Roystonea maisiana faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Cuba. The species is further threatened by overcollection for ornamental use, as these palms are highly valued in landscaping projects. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the remaining fragmented populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Cuban palm inhabits lowland tropical forests and woodland areas, typically growing in well-drained soils at elevations below 200 meters. The species is adapted to the humid subtropical climate of western Cuba, where it forms part of the native forest canopy structure.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Roystonea maisiana classified as Critically Endangered?
Roystonea maisiana 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. Roystonea maisiana faces severe population decline due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Cuba. The species is further threatened by overcollection for ornamental use, as these palms are highly valued in landscaping projects. Climate change poses an additional risk through altered precipitation patterns and increased hurricane intensity, which can devastate the remaining fragmented populations.
Where does Roystonea maisiana live?
Roystonea maisiana occurs in Cuba. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Roystonea maisiana?
The main threats to Roystonea maisiana are 2.1, 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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