CR

Runde Cycad

Encephalartos concinnus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos concinnus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature specimens commanding extremely high prices that drive continued poaching from wild populations. Habitat degradation through agricultural expansion and urban development has further reduced available suitable sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microhabitat conditions this cycad requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in coastal and inland areas of South Africa, typically growing in well-drained soils among indigenous vegetation. It occurs in both coastal dune systems and inland rocky terrain, often in areas with specific microclimatic conditions that provide protection from extreme weather.

Savanna· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Runde Cycad classified as Critically Endangered?
Runde Cycad 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. Encephalartos concinnus faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the horticultural trade, with mature specimens commanding extremely high prices that drive continued poaching from wild populations. Habitat degradation through agricultural expansion and urban development has further reduced available suitable sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from population losses exceptionally difficult, while climate change threatens to alter the specific microhabitat conditions this cycad requires.
Where does Runde Cycad live?
Runde Cycad occurs in Zimbabwe. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Runde Cycad?
The main threats to Runde Cycad 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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