Turbinicarpus mandragora
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Turbinicarpus mandragora faces severe threats from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, driven by its highly prized ornamental value among collectors. The species' extremely restricted range in the Chihuahuan Desert makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection, while habitat degradation from livestock grazing and mining activities further compounds population decline. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat through altered precipitation patterns in its already arid habitat.
Habitat
This species inhabits limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the Chihuahuan Desert of northeastern Mexico, typically growing in crevices and on steep slopes with well-drained calcareous soils. It occurs at elevations between 1,000-1,500 meters in areas with sparse desert scrub vegetation.
