Zamia chigua

Most subpopulations of the species occur in rainforests with little disturbance by human activities. Nevertheless, a few subpopulations (by the Atrato river or the Baudo river in the Choco province) occur in landscapes with forest destruction and degradation, mostly deforestation for agricultural and urban expansion, mining and logging.

Some conservation actions have been intended for the species, as it is listed on a threatened-species resolution in Colombia and in CITES Appendix II, therefore, Colombian environmental authorities are required to prevent and mitigate negative impacts of human activities on this threatened species and to regulate its international commerce. In addition, Colombia launched a conservation action plan for cycads in 2015, and in the last few years the “Colombian Cycad Society” has been working to promote population and habitat protection, and restoration of small numbers of Zamia species in the country, complemented with conservation actions related to research, monitoring, communication and education, among others.

Zamia chigua is present in one protected area (National Park "Uramba Bahia Malaga"), and there are ex situ collections in botanical gardens in Colombia (Medellin, Quindio and Tulua Gardens). Nevertheless, further actions are required to improve population and habitat viability in the long term. The conservation action plan for Colombian cycads has proposed specific conservation actions for the species, however there is no species conservation strategy properly funded to this date.