Tillandsia andrieuxii

Epiphytes have experienced dramatic population decreases mainly because of habitat loss and extraction activities, which have driven many species close to extinction (Mondragon et al. 2006). Pine-oak forests of the Trans-Volcanic belt have been extensively exploited. The forests have been logged to clear land for agricultural purposes and also to allow the building of highways and other roads. The traditional practice of burning down most of the lower stratum of the forest to provide pasture for cattle is the most significant threat to pine-oak forests. Human settlements, logging activities and clearance for agriculture and pasture have severely altered the natural xeric scrub vegetation of Central Mexican Matorral (Valero et al. 2001). There is evidence that Tillandsia species are illegally traded in Mexico and that plants are extracted from wild populations, however, it is not known if this species is affected.

There are no known conservation measures specifically for this species, but it is known to occur within some protected areas. Samples of seed should be collected and stored as part of ex situ conservation measures. The species is widely grown ex situ as an ornamental plant and in various botanical institutions. Further research and botanical surveys at the historical localities should be carried out to determine the current size and range of the species and the health and dynamic of the populations. The biology and ecology of the species should be studied and the impact of extraction on the population quantified.