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Gethyllis kaapensis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Several species of this genus have been targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Other species of this genus are known to be utilised. A small population size with existing threat causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
Exploitation extent
Uncertain - No data exists yet showing that this species is exploited in the wild, however it has one or more relatives or look-alike species (found in South Africa or globally) that are known to be utilised. This species has a similar life form or other relevant traits to its exploited relative(s), making it highly likely that it would be exploited for the same purposes.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Endangered as it is known from one remaining subpopulation due to habitat loss from urban development (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007). Several species of this genus have been targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). Another taxon of this genus is threatened by over-collecting of its fruits for food and medicinal purposes (Snijman & Raimondo, 2015). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Gethyllis kaapensis D.Müll.-Doblies. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2015. Gethyllis britteniana Baker subsp. herrei (L.Bolus) D.Müll.-Doblies. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability
Population is vulnerable: size is <= 2500 mature individuals OR the number of known subpopulations is <= 5 OR range is <= 100km2 OR species at risk of localised extinctions
Justification and references

This taxon is known from one remaining subpopulation with an estimated population size of less than 250 mature individuals (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007).

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Gethyllis kaapensis D.Müll.-Doblies. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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

One remaining small subpopulation (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007) makes this species highly vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Gethyllis kaapensis D.Müll.-Doblies. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Gethyllis kaapensis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf715.42 KB
Gethyllis search results.pdf833.3 KB