Tylecodon reticulatus subsp. reticulatus

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Crassulaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is sensitive as it is threatened with illegal collection of wild individuals, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Tylecodon genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. Although the species does not have a small population size, it is suscpetible to decline from collection. Releasing data on this species can exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of wild populations. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.

Exploitation extent

Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.

Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus are known to be utilized and this species has been recorded as traded on the CITES trade database. This species and several others of the Tylecodon genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2020-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This taxon is known to be very collectable (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that species may be at risk to over-exploitation and removal from the wild.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Tylecodon reticulatus (L.f.) Toelken subsp. reticulatus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

common and widespread; but very collectable; est >10 000plts

Sensitive

Population vulnerability

Population is not vulnerable: size is > 2500 mature individuals, AND the number of known subpopulations is > 5 AND range > 100km²

Justification and references

This taxon is common and widespread with a population size estimated of more than 10,000 individuals (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

Targeted demographics

Mature (breeding) individuals are killed, significantly weakened or are permanently removed from the wild, OR immature individuals are targeted and this significantly impacts mature (breeding) individuals.

Justification and references

Whole individuals are recorded in confiscations.

Regeneration potential

This species has a slow population growth rate, or the growth rate varies depending on habitat, and there is a poor chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation OR a collector might feasibly harvest the entire extant population removing the chance of subsequent recruitment.

Justification and references

As this species is known to be exploited and highly collectible, it is susceptible to decline from collection.

Reference file

tylecodon _ eBay.pdf898.51 KB

Tylecodon Aucfan.pdf1.17 MB