Saharan Cypress
CR

Saharan Cypress

Cupressus dupreziana

Declining

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

Overview

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

Cupressus dupreziana faces severe threats from extreme habitat restriction and climate vulnerability in the central Sahara. The species is limited to fewer than 233 mature individuals across isolated mountain sites in Algeria's Tassili n'Ajjer, where prolonged drought periods and increasing aridity threaten its survival. Overgrazing by livestock and human disturbance further stress the remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and poor regeneration capacity limit natural recovery.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic cypress occupies rocky mountain slopes and gorges in the Tassili n'Ajjer plateau of the central Sahara Desert in Algeria. It grows in extremely arid conditions at elevations between 1,000-1,800 meters, often in sheltered ravines and on north-facing slopes where moisture retention is slightly higher.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Saharan Cypress classified as Critically Endangered?
Saharan Cypress 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. Cupressus dupreziana faces severe threats from extreme habitat restriction and climate vulnerability in the central Sahara. The species is limited to fewer than 233 mature individuals across isolated mountain sites in Algeria's Tassili n'Ajjer, where prolonged drought periods and increasing aridity threaten its survival. Overgrazing by livestock and human disturbance further stress the remaining populations, while the species' extremely slow growth rate and poor regeneration capacity limit natural recovery.
Where does Saharan Cypress live?
Saharan Cypress occurs in Algeria. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Saharan Cypress?
The main threats to Saharan Cypress are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 2.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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