Habitat loss is the primary threat to all Guatemalan species of Abronia. Most deforestation is a result of logging to open pastures for raising cattle, but in some areas intensive use of firewood has increased degradation. People living within the range of Abronia species tend to call it “escorpión,” and hold many erroneous beliefs that in the past have led them to kill the lizards on sight. Some species are also harvested illegally for the international pet trade.