Dyckia pulquinensis

This species occurs within the Bolivian montane dry forests, which are among one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world (Portillo-Quintero and Sánchez-Azofeifa 2009). The Bolivian montane dry forests ecoregion contains large areas of degraded land and is heavily impacted by urban expansion and the associated conversion to agriculture (Fjeldså and Mayer 1996). The department of Santa Cruz alone, where this species occurs, represents 75% of all land-cover change that has occurred in Bolivia, mainly driven by sugar and cotton demand in the 1970's and more recently by soy (Killeen et al. 2007). However, these figures are focused on the lowlands, and additional threats such as smallholder agriculture, goat and cattle ranching, soil erosion and burning are likely making the declines even more significant (M. Martinez pers. comm. 2024). The western area of Santa Cruz forms sub-tropical valleys and is dominated by small farmers, with the main rural economic activities including farming and ranching, and logging (Pacheco and Mertens 2004). Several of the collection sites within Santa Cruz are situated near large urban areas or roads where populations are gradually increasing (Google Earth 2023, Instituto Nacional de Estadistica 2022).

The species also occurs in southern Cochabamba, within the Campero Province. Agricultural fields can be seen near to the site (Google Earth 2023). Agricultural activities are intensive in this area, with the major products being tomatoes, sugarcane and citrus fruit (Gray-Molina 1991). Much of the forest around Villa Tunari, Chapare, Cochabamba has also been destroyed for coca plantations and other forms of agriculture (J. Wood pers. comm. 2016), the former being the main cause of deforestation in Chapare (Killeen et al. 2007). This deforestation is affecting the availability of water in the species' habitat (M. Martinez pers. comm. 2024).

Four records were collected from within the Jardín de Cactáceas de Bolivia Municipal Protected Area (WDPA 2020). The seeds of this species are not currently held by any seed bank (Genesys 2023); there are however three ex situ collections worldwide (BGCI 2023).