Coryphantha recurvata

Known from western Santa Cruz county, AZ south into Sonora, Mexico. At least 25 sites are present in the U.S., although population size at many sites is small and there is concern that recruitment is insufficient to maintain viable populations. However, the Mexican range is considerably larger than the U.S. range, and population sizes are believed to be generally larger there. Few occurrences are protected. Threats include livestock grazing (especially in the U.S. where it is known to be poorly managed), altered fire ecology due to non-native plant invasion, off-road vehicle use, and horticultural collection. The species is prized by collectors, and significant declines in roadside populations have been noted.

Arizona in western Santa Cruz Co. (from Nogales and Tumacacori Mountains west), south into Sonora, Mexico (Dicht and Lüthy 2005, map pg. 84; Paredes Aguilar et al., 2000)).

Western Santa Cruz county, AZ south into Sonora, Mexico. Although Benson (1982) reports two known localities in AZ, at least 25 AZ sites were visited by the US Fish and Wildlife Service during a status review in 1994. Mexican range is significantly larger than U.S. range (Dicht and Lüthy 2005). At least 4 occurrences are known to be present in Mexico (Paredes Aguilar et al., 2000).

Livestock grazing, which occurs over most if not all of the range, is suspected to be reducing recruitment rates, especially in the U.S. where the grazing is poorly managed. May also be adversely affected by non-native Lehmann's lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), which is widespread at least in the U.S. range and is suspected to be disrupting natural fire ecology. Off-road vehicle use and border patrol activities may also threaten the plants and their habitat. In addition, this species is highly valued by horticultural collectors, with plants near roadsides being especially vulnerable.