Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.131138
Element CodePGCUP040C0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
IUCNVulnerable
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumConiferophyta
ClassPinopsida
OrderPinales
FamilyCupressaceae
GenusHesperocyparis
SynonymsCallitropsis forbesii(Jeps.) D.P. LittleCupressus forbesiiJepsonCupressus guadalupensis var. forbesii(Jepson) Little
Other Common Namestecate cypress (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsHesperocyparis forbesii (syn. Cupressus forbesii) is treated as a species by Kartesz (1994 and 1999) and Adams et al. (2009), but as a variety of Cupressus guadalupensis by Little (1971) and FNA (1993).
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Excel v3.1x
Review Date2016-05-04
Change Date1989-05-02
Edition Date2016-05-04
Edition AuthorsOgle, Y. (1987), rev. C. Russell (1991), rev. D. Gries (1997), rev. R. Bittman 2006, rev. A. Treher and Bittman (2016)
Threat ImpactHigh
Range Extent5000-20,000 square km (about 2000-8000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences21 - 80
Rank ReasonsCupressus forbesii is known from a very narrow range in California and Northern Baja California, Mexico. There are about 22 occurrences in California and it is known to be extant in Mexico but the number of occurrences is uncertain. Wildfires, occurring more frequently than about 30-40 years, are the primary threat to the species as it impacts the ability of plants to mature and recruit new individuals in the population and at the same time has decreased the number of adults of sexual maturity. Occurrences are highly fragmented due to past declines.
Range Extent CommentsOccurs in California (Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties) and Baja California, Mexico.
Occurrences CommentsTwenty-two occurrences are known but 12 are historic. More may be historic or extirpated now, and the CNDDB may not know. There are recent collection and reports from Baja California but the number of occurrences is unknown.
Threat Impact CommentsThreatened by frequent wildfires, drought, development, mining, livestock, and roads. The species is adapted for fire at 30-40 year intervals that allow time for the species to mature and produce cones. The more frequent fires have reduced the number of mature individuals and areas where recruitment occurs (Rodriguez-Buritica 2010). Seedlings and young plants can be easily trampled by livestock. Historically, strip mining for underlying clay deposits has destroyed a portion of the Sierra Peak Tecate cypress grove (Esser 1994). Fragmented populations reduce the species ability to recruit new plants. Climate change is certainly a threat, especially as it increases the chances of severe drought.