Zantedeschia pentlandii | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Yes

Family

Araceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species occurs as small and fragmented subpopulations that are experiencing population decline due to harvesting for horticultural purposes and habitat loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species could 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 Vulnerable as it occurs as small and fragmented subpopulations that are experiencing population decline due to harvesting for horticultural purposes and habitat loss (Victor & Siebert, 2006). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Another Zantedeschia species is known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals (von Staden et al. 2008). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that rare species of this genus may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Victor, J.E. & Siebert, S.J. 2006. Zantedeschia pentlandii (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) Wittm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

von Staden, L., Winter, P.J.D. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Zantedeschia jucunda Letty. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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 has an extent of occurrence of 12 000 km² and occurs as small and fragmented subpopulations (Victor & Siebert, 2006). Further specific population data on this species is not available.

Victor, J.E. & Siebert, S.J. 2006. Zantedeschia pentlandii (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) Wittm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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.

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

Small and fragmented subpopulations with existing threats including harvesting (Victor & Siebert, 2006), places the persistence of this species at risk. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Victor, J.E. & Siebert, S.J. 2006. Zantedeschia pentlandii (R.Whyte ex W.Watson) Wittm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

Zantedeschia pentlandii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf602.64 KB

zantedeschia.pdf725.05 KB