We have quantitatively assessed the influence of reduced forest cover on palm assemblages.; Forest cover at the landscape scale was a key predictor of palm diversity.; Forest-interior species were negatively affected by reduced forest cover at the landscape scale. Landscapes embedded within less than 40% forest cover harbored <10 out of 18 palm species.; Restoration and the reintroduction of dispersers serve as important and urgently needed tools to safeguard palms.