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Butia eriospatha

Declining

Overview

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

Butia eriospatha faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat conversion for agriculture and urban development across its restricted range in southern Brazil. The species is particularly vulnerable to cattle grazing, which damages seedlings and prevents natural regeneration. Fire regimes and invasive plant species further threaten remaining populations in fragmented grassland habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This palm species is endemic to the grasslands and open savannas of Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil, typically growing in well-drained sandy soils. It occurs in the Pampa biome's native grassland ecosystems, often in areas with scattered rocky outcrops.

Conservation measures underway

Ex-situ conservation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Butia eriospatha classified as Endangered?
Butia eriospatha is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Butia eriospatha faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat conversion for agriculture and urban development across its restricted range in southern Brazil. The species is particularly vulnerable to cattle grazing, which damages seedlings and prevents natural regeneration. Fire regimes and invasive plant species further threaten remaining populations in fragmented grassland habitats.
Where does Butia eriospatha live?
Butia eriospatha occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Butia eriospatha?
The main threats to Butia eriospatha 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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