SABATUER typed:

Conservation: Species listed in NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) as species in risk, due to significant habitat loss, small area of distribution (estimated to only around 11, 500 sq. km) and suspected pressure from illegal trade.

illegal trade
illegal trade
illegal trade

Pardon me but...
It seems as if you are under the impression that illegal trade is responsible for putting this species at risk. The language that you so craftfully pasted into your post clearly states that illegal trade is only SUSPECTED(=not proven) as one of the reasons putting this species at risk. However, if you took the time to read through the literature regarding Abronia, I'm absolutely positive that you would deduce that nearly the entire genus is facing emminent extinction due to habitat loss. A very REAL problem! It should be noted, that in Mexico, Guatemala, etc., much of this destruction goes by unchecked. Meaning that there is no government body responsible for making sure that these organisims are not wiped off the face of the planet when the ecosystem they dwell in is being annihilated. This is even the case in areas designated as a reserva biosfera or parque nacional. You see, these areas represent no more than lines on maps when it comes to the amount of REAL protection they are granted by the government agencies responsible for protecting them. So, the proper echo of your post should ring out:

Ecosystem destruction
Ecosystem destruction
Ecosystem destruction

I'm not a proponent of illegal collection, but the hands of 1,000 collectors would have a difficult time collecting ANY species of Abronia to the brink of extinction. The same cannot be said to the tens of thousands of hectares of pine/oak woodland and cloud forest habitat that continue to be destroyed at a rapid pace.

I look forward to reading your reply. That is if you choose to respond. Judging from the nature of your post, you are only trying to stir up trouble.

Adios,
Roberto

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