Kenyan Giant Cycad

This species is secure in most of its range. One site is threatened by over-collection for ornamental purposes (Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. powysii) and traditionally hollowed-out stems have been used as cattle drinking troughs (E. t. subsp. tegulaneus). E. t. subsp. powysii may also be impacted due to habitat destruction as the neighbouring communities use the forest as a source of fuelwood and construction materials. The recent approval of the Grand Falls Dam on the Tana River could impact that subspecies too (Q. Luke pers. comm). Several collectors also report the absence of pollinators at the site for E. t. subsp. powysii and few or no seedlings.

This species is listed in Appendix I of the CITES Appendices. Populations of Encephalartos tegulaneus subsp. tegulaneus occur in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust, which is a Rural Community Development Project and in the Mathews Range forest reserve and the Ndotos Range forest reserve. The known population of E. t. subsp. powysii occurs in a forest reserve, however, neighbouring communities use the forest as a source of fuel-wood and construction materials and as a place for hunting. Identification of further suitable sites for the formal protection of this species is needed. An education and awareness programme as well as the long-term monitoring of populations will support the conservation of this species.