A team of scientists announced on March 31 the discovery of a new species of Zamia, an ancient plant group, in the Peruvian Amazon. The species, named Zamia urarinorum, was described following fieldwork in Loreto during 2025 and marks a significant development for botanical research in Peru.
The identification of this new species highlights both the richness and vulnerability of Amazonian biodiversity. Zamias have existed for over 200 million years and have survived major extinction events such as that which ended the era of dinosaurs. Researchers warn that illegal activities continue to threaten these ecosystems today.
The study describing Zamia urarinorum was led by Ricardo Zárate, Michael Calonje, Malcolm A. Jones, and R.P. Fernando Roca Alcázar S.J., with collaboration from several scientific institutions including Peru’s Instituto de Investigaciones de la Amazonía Peruana (IIAP), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), and organizations from Brazil and the United States. Roca has promoted further research on these plants through academic collaborations and expeditions within Peru.
Roca said: “Colombia y México tienen monitoreadas gran variedad de zamias, pero en el Perú estas se han estudiado muy poco. Estoy seguro de que hay muchas más de las cinco o seis conocidas.” He also explained that unique characteristics distinguish Zamia urarinorum from related species; it can tolerate low-oxygen environments typical of flooded forests—unlike other cycads—and features long leaves up to 2.5 meters with narrow, toothed leaflets.
Zamia urarinorum is found between the Tigrillo and Urituyacu river basins in permanently flooded forests—a habitat where no other known cycad resides. Its name honors the Urarina indigenous people who protect these territories.
Despite its ecological importance—being linked to key habitats like aguajales that help regulate water cycles and store carbon—the plant faces threats from illegal mining, logging, narcotrafficking, agricultural expansion, oil spills, and infrastructure projects impacting Amazonian wetlands. “Las peores amenazas para la Amazonía son todas ilegales: minería ilegal, madereros ilegales, narcotráfico y trata de personas,” Roca said.
Researchers recommend immediate protection for this newly identified species under International Union for Conservation of Nature standards due to mounting pressures on its habitat. The ongoing discoveries underline how much remains unknown about Peru’s flora—and reinforce calls for urgent conservation efforts.
