Risk Tool

Guatemalan fir Abies guatemalensis

Also know as: abeto, abeto guatemalteco, pashaque fir, pinabete, romerillo, pacachaque, parchac, abeto mexicano, guayami, Mexican fir, plumajatzin, plumajillo de Montana, sapin de Guatemala

Abies guatemalensis

A. guatemalensis, commonly known as Guatemalan fir, is a coniferous tree native to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. It has the most southerly distribution of the Abies genus and can grow to 45 m tall, preferring mountainous areas with plenty of rainfall. Its main uses include pulp, plywood, rough timber, indoor construction, and Christmas trees. The main threats to the species are timber exploitation and loss of habitat to agricultural development, as well as demand for firewood and charcoal in its natural range. Its IUCN Red List status is “vulnerable.”

A. guatemalensis is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Export of the species is strictly limited to approved specimens to be used for non-commercial purposes. Harvesting of the species is also prohibited by national law in both Mexico and Guatemala. As a consequence of the CITES listing, no legal supply ofA. guatemalensis from natural forests exists on international markets.

Species Details

CITIES Status: Listed: Appendix I
Endangered Status: Vulnerable
Associated Risks:

A. guatemalensis is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a listing that applies to all parts and derivatives, including manufactured and finished products from any country. Harvesting of the species is prohibited under Mexican and Guatemalan law. To see what is required to trade in Appendix I species, see here.

Major Buyer:

N/A. International trade in this species is prohibited.

Countries Where Found

Naturally Occurring