Did you know that 37% of Guatemala’s surface are forests? In turn, this large wooded surface is divided into two parts. On the one hand, there is the landowned forest also called tropical forest or jungle, which occupies much of that 37% and is composed of various plant species. On the other hand, there is the coniferous forest, which occupies a lower surface, and is specifically constituted by coniferous species.
While the diversity of plant species in Guatemala is really surprising, many of its species are in danger of extinction. Therefore, from Ecology Verde we want to publicize the species of in danger of extinction in Guatemala. If knowing these species is of your interest, do not hesitate to read this interesting article.
Pinabete
The Pinabete or Guatemala fir (Abies Guatemalensis)It is an endemic tree from Guatemala that is located from southern Mexico, covering all of Guatemala, to the south of El Salvador and northern Honduras. It is characterized by being a species that grows more than 2,500 meters above sea level and can reach a height greater than 50 meters. It is currently considered in danger of extinctionmainly due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat.
Mahogany
The mahogany, scientifically called Swietenia Macrophyllait is an endemic tree of the region covered between the tropics of cancer and Capricorn, a region where Guatemala is located. Within its characteristics we can highlight, its great height, small greenish yellow flowers and reddish wood. Precisely its wood is frequently used for cabinetries and furniture elaboration. This fact, added to the loss and fragmentation of the habitat of this species, leads to the mahogany being Vulnerable to extinction.
American cedar
Others of the Native species of Guatemalais the American cedar (Cedrela Odorata), whose very wide distribution includes all central America. It is common for this species to be used in parks and gardens for its ornamental beauty. Its wood is also of very good quality, therefore it is used for the manufacture of furniture. In addition to this species, healing properties of some diseases are attributed, such as bronchitis. Today, it is classified as Vulnerable to extinction due to the excessive use of its specimens.
Palm
Precisely the species of palm scientifically called Brahea Calcareais originally from Guatemala and Mexico. Although its situation is globally classified as minor concern, in Guatemala it is considered that this species is Vulnerable to extinction caused by the loss and fragmentation of its habitat. As for its peculiarities, it is a palm tree that grows in areas where the altitude exceeds 1,000 meters above sea level and abounds the limestone.
Cocky
Continuing with the Guatemala flora in danger of extinctionwe cannot fail to mention the genus Tillandsia, a genus of epiphytic plants that belong to the family of the Bromeliaceas and is native of Central and South America. In Guatemala, Tillandsia species as a Gallito vulgarly call and, unfortunately, many of these species are in danger of extinction due to their ornamental use and the loss of their habitat. Here we will list the species of Tillandsia in danger of extinction in Guatemala:
- T. deflexa
- T. Filifolia
- T. Harrisii
- T. Magnusian
- T. Matudae
- T. Pruinosa
- T. Xerographica
Orchids
Guatemala has a great diversity of orchids, a taxonomic group of plants that are characterized by its rare colorful flowers. Precisely because of the particularity of their flowers, orchids are very sought after ornamental. The excessive exploitation of orchids has led to Some species are classified as endangered. Next, we will name seven orchid species that are in danger of extinction in Guatemala.
- Lycaste Skinneri
- Lycaste virginalis
- Lophiaris bicallosa
- Lophiaris cavendishiana
- Oncidium Johannis
- Rossioglossum Grande
- Shiedeela Stolonifera
Huitó
The hub (Juniperus standleyi) is a kind of native cypress of southern Mexico and Guatemala that grows in areas of more than 3,000 meters of altitude. As for its state of conservation, it is considered in danger of extinction caused by the excessive deforestation of their specimens either due to changes in land use or by the use of its wood.
Canoj de Verapaz
The canoe of Verapaz (Ocotea Bajapazensis) It is possibly one of the plants in greater danger of extinction. It is an endemic bush of Guatemala, more precisely from the department of Baja Verapaz, hence its name. Today, it is classified as critical danger of extinction. There are two reasons that put their existence in check: their very limited distribution and the loss and fragmentation of their habitat.
Other plants in danger of extinction in Guatemala
In this section, we will list more Endangered plant species in Guatemala.
- Thunder (Oreopanax arcanus)
- Dwarf Cyprés de las Sierras de la Minas (JUniperus committees)
- Dwarf Cyprés del Altiplano (Juniperus Donell)
- Ciprecillo (Podocarpus Matudae)
- Volcano Chicozapote (Godpyros Johnstonian)
- Avocado (Persea Perglauca)
- Sage (Buddleja Megalocephala)
- White cedar (Cedrela oddnata)
- Magnolia (Yoroconte Magnolia)
- Ancestor (Pithecolobium saman)
- Balmea (Balmea Stormae)
- Unhealthy (Casimiroa Emarginata)
- Mico hand (Chraanthodendron Pentadactylon)
- Guayacán (Guiacum officinale)
- León rib (Ceratozamia Robusta)
Now that you have met all these species of plants in danger of extinction in Guatemala, we recommend reading these other articles on Guatemala’s flora and fauna and Guatemala’s biomes.
If you want to read more articles similar to In danger of extinction in Guatemalawe recommend that you enter our biology category.
- List of threatened species from Guatemala. National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP). Extracted from: https://sip.conap.gob.gt/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/lista-de-especies-amenazadas_lea.pdf
- Red lists. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Website: https://www.iucnredlist.org/es
