Range extension of the endangered Mexican cycad Ceratozamia fuscoviridis Moore (teosintle): implications for conservation

Ceratozamia fuscoviridis, or teosintle in nahuatl, is a recently rediscovered endangered cycad species previously known from only one population (Molango) in Sierra Madre Oriental of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico. Recent botanical explorations have found new but scattered populations, increasing its known geographical range. Ecological studies were conducted on six of the 29 populations found. Parameters such as size, density, population structure, and static life table are presented. This is the first study of its kind conducted to prompt the Mexican authorities to establish natural protected areas for this species and the associated biodiversity, because deforestation is rapidly diminishing the populations. The population structure in general showed a Deevey-III curve, while two populations showed Deevey-I curves. A 400 m 2 area had a population size from 143 to 378 individuals. Population density varied from 0.358 individuals/m 2 to 0.945 individuals/m 2 . Population structure was statistically different among populations. The large amount of seedlings in all sites was distinctive and indicated the specie's reproductive success even in small forest fragments. This research provides the most complete information available to date regarding populations of C. fuscoviridis. Future protected areas established in the better conserved populations could enable the populations' rapid recovery. This study shows that C. fuscoviridis is not as restricted in area as previously believed. We suggest the IUCN Red listing category of the species be amended from Critically Endangered (CR) to Endangered (EN) in view of newly discovered populations, high population size, and successful recruitment.