Ceratozamia hondurensis

Because of its startling beauty, Ceratozamia hondurensis is likely to become one of the most sought-after Ceratozamia in the illicit cycad trade. Over-collecting has already nearly devastated one subpopulation within a protected area (this subpopulation was also adversely affected by clearing activities in the boundary zone surrounding the protected area). Habitat across its native range is also subject to deforestation for migrant subsistence agriculture as well as export-driven agro-industry and cattle ranching. Habitat and elevation requirements also restrict it to one of the most environmentally hazardous landscapes of Honduras. In particular, its propensity to grow along river banks puts it in the path of destructive floods, making most populations particularly vulnerable (Haynes and Bonta 2003).

Since the publication of Haynes and Bonta (2003) further threats to this species have emerged. These have been documented by both Bonta and by Onan Reyes. They include development of tourism infrastructure, subdivision of land for real estate development, development of water projects for coastal communities, development of fruit orchards, and road-building.

A further threat may be global warming, related to more pronounced dry seasons and desiccation of the rain forest understory, this species' habitat, in the last 10 years.

Ceratozamia hondurensis occurs within two protected areas and possibly two others; it probably also occurs in protected microcuencas (small catchment basins protected by communities and with legal designations). The following actions are recommended in an effort to conserve and protect this species:

--Development of local and national legislation specifically targeting the protection of all known populations of Ceratozamia hondurensis.

--Careful monitoring of existing populations and comprehensive surveys of other areas with similar habitats.

--Creation of ex-situ conservation and propagation collections in well-established, world-class botanical gardens with a documented track record of supporting such efforts and with a written, long-term commitment to continue to do so.

--Community-based conservation initiatives that educate and train local people to identify and protect cycads, particularly within legally protected watershed reserves and community forestry concessions.

C. hondurensis is listed in CITES Appendix I.