Bulbine mesembryanthoides subsp. namaquensis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species is thought to be collectible for horticultural trade and is known to be targeted for illegal collection. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Bulbine genus is in high demand in international horticultural trade. Although this species is widespread, ongoing illegal collection and targeting makes this species vulnerable to population loss. 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 (Manyama & Kamundi, 2006). This species is known to be targeted by illegal collection (A. Harrower, personal communication, 3 August 2022). This genus is 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 were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Bulbine genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden).

Manyama, P.A. & Kamundi, D.A. 2006. Bulbine mesembryanthoides Haw. subsp. namaquensis G.Will. 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 is known to be widespread (A. Harrower, personal communication, 3 August 2022).

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

Although this species is widespread, ongoing illegal collection and targeting makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file

Bulbine mesembryanthoides Haw. subsp. namaquensis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf511.97 KB

Bulbine.pdf870.42 KB

bulbine_ Search Result .pdf1.68 MB