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Melocactus glaucescens

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family
PLANTAE TRACHEOPHYTA MAGNOLIOPSIDA CARYOPHYLLALES CACTACEAE

Scientific Name: Melocactus glaucescens
Species Authority: Buining & Brederoo

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria: Critically Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) ver 3.1
Year Published: 2002
Annotations:
Needs updating
Assessor/s: Taylor, N.P.
Reviewer/s: Stuppy, W. & Taylor, N.P. (Cacti & Succulent Plant Red List Authority)
Contributor/s:
Justification:
In view of its rarity and the threats from commercial collection (and agricultural modification to its habitat) M. glaucescens has been on Appendix I of CITES since June 1992. Less than 10 individuals were observed at one of the localities (only ca. 4 km from the other locality). Extent of occurrence is less than 100 km² and area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 km². Collection of plants is continuing (M. Machado pers. comm.). A local reserve to protect this and other rare species has been proposed, but is yet to be implemented.

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description: From Chapada Diamantina, Mun. Morro do Chapéu, Bahia.
Countries:
Native:
Brazil (Bahia)
Range Map: Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population Trend: Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology: Caatinga / Northern campo rupestre (Chapada Diamantina) element: in the open and between low shrubs of the caatinga on flat or sloping, ± exposed, crystalline rock outcrops with accumulation of gravel, 700–900 m.
Systems: Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s): Collectors and loss of habitat.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions: Listed on CITES App. I. A reserve has been proposed to protect this species.
Citation: Taylor, N.P. 2002. Melocactus glaucescens. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 18 June 2013.
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