Puya castellanosii

This species occurs in an area of low human footprint (GIS data, Sanderson et al. 2002). However, agricultural expansion (especially soybean cultivation) is a threat in the area where this species occurs (A. Villalobos pers. comm. August 2013). Furthermore, anthropogenic activities during the past 150 years, namely overgrazing by goat, sheep and cattle, burning and firewood collection have led to pronounced desertification, disruption of habitats and changes in the biodiversity and geographic ranges of many species. The geographic isolation and the harsh climate have discouraged permanent settlements and favoured traditional pastoral systems. Native grasslands over 2,500 m are commonly used for livestock grazing in the summer. Mining and oil exploration are threats to plant species in other parts of the region.

The taxon does not occur in any protected areas. The establishment of sustainable management practices is needed to limit the desertification and destruction of habitats in the region but is hampered by precarious land ownership and socioeconomic constraints. Suitable habitats in the region should be surveyed and the range and population of this species assessed and closely monitored. Resilience of the taxon to disturbance and its regeneration capacities should be studied. Seeds should be collected for germplasm and ex situ conservation.