CR

Encephalartos pterogonus

Declining

Overview

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

Encephalartos pterogonus faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from collection pressure particularly challenging, with some populations showing no evidence of recent recruitment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad species inhabits rocky outcrops and steep slopes in grassland and savanna regions of South Africa. It typically grows in well-drained soils among scattered trees and shrubs, often in areas with seasonal rainfall patterns.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos pterogonus classified as Critically Endangered?
Encephalartos pterogonus 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 pterogonus faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and human settlement development has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely slow growth rate and limited reproductive capacity make recovery from collection pressure particularly challenging, with some populations showing no evidence of recent recruitment.
Where does Encephalartos pterogonus live?
Encephalartos pterogonus occurs in Mozambique. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos pterogonus?
The main threats to Encephalartos pterogonus are 2.1, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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