Encephalartos cerinus
CR

Encephalartos cerinus

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

Encephalartos cerinus faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited coastal range. Mining activities and invasive plant species compound these pressures, while the cycad's extremely slow growth rate makes recovery from harvesting virtually impossible within human timescales.

Threat summary

Habitat

This cycad is endemic to the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where it grows in coastal grasslands and bushveld on sandy soils. It typically occurs on gentle slopes and coastal plains at elevations below 200 meters, often in areas with good drainage and partial shade from surrounding vegetation.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Encephalartos cerinus classified as Critically Endangered?
Encephalartos cerinus 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 cerinus faces severe population decline primarily due to illegal collection for the horticultural trade, where mature specimens command extremely high prices. The species is further threatened by habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited coastal range. Mining activities and invasive plant species compound these pressures, while the cycad's extremely slow growth rate makes recovery from harvesting virtually impossible within human timescales.
Where does Encephalartos cerinus live?
Encephalartos cerinus occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Encephalartos cerinus?
The main threats to Encephalartos cerinus are 5.2, 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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