Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Zamiaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is deemed not sensitive. Although this species is known to be exploited and targeted, population loss from illegal harvesting is small. The population size is not small and there is regeneration potential due to possible recruitment from the many remaining individuals in the wild.
Exploitation extent
Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.
Justification and references

All South African cycads as well as this species is included in Appendix I of the CITES Convention which lists all species threatened with extinction that are, or may be affected by trade. According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Near Threatened as it is threatened by over-collecting for ornamental, medicinal purposes and habitat destruction (Donaldson 2009; Donaldson 2003). Studies present strong evidence of ongoing and accelerating rates of decline in most cycad species due mainly to illegal removal (Okubamichael et al. 2016; Cousins & Witkowski 2017). Cycad species are in trade demand and at risk from illegal collection (Smith 2014; Yeld 2014). Research shows that this species is among the 25 of 37 Encephalartos species that is being utilised for traditional medicine (Cousins, 2012). Repeat photography show the impact of bark harvesting on individuals (Okubamichael et al. 2016). The CITES Trade Database has recorded the trade of the species from 1979-2019 for commercial, personal, artificial propagation, scientific, educational, travelling exhibition and botanical garden purposes. Sourced from artificial propagation, and taken from the wild. Although the species is common and abundant there has been an estimated 20% decline in population over the last 90 years and if the decline continues the species will be upgraded to Vulnerable conservation status (Donaldson 2009). 

CITES trade statistics derived from the CITES Trade Database, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK.

Cousins, S.R., Williams, V.L., & Witkowski, E.T.F. 2012. Uncovering the cycad taxa (Encephalartos species) traded for traditional medicine in Johannesburg and Durban, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany78, 129–138. DOI:10.1016/j.sajb.2011.06.001

Cousins, S.R. and Witkowski, E.T.F., 2017. African cycad ecology, ethnobotany and conservation: a synthesis. The Botanical Review83(2), pp.152-194.Donaldson, J.S. 2003. Cycads. Status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN/SSC Cycad Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland; Cambridge, UK.

Donaldson, J.S. 2009. Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi Lehm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Okubamichael, D. Y., S. L. Jack, J. D. Bösenberg, M. T. Hoffman & J. S. Donaldson. 2016. Repeat photography confirms alarming decline in south African cycads. Biodiversity Conservation 25(11): 2153–2170.

Smith, D. 2014. 1 September 2014. South Africa's ancient cycad plants under threat from poachers. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/01/ancient-cycad-plants-under-threat-poachers

Yeld, J. 2014. 7 August 2014. Cycad thieves strike again. IOL. Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/news/cycad-thieves-strike-again-1731799

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

According to the IUCN Red List, there are between 5000-10 000 mature individuals remaining in the wild (Donaldson 2010).

Donaldson, J.S. 2010. Encephalartos friderici-guilielmiThe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T41930A10602801. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41930A10602801

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

Mature individuals are removed from the wild causing population decline (Donaldson 2009). The CITES Trade Database has recorded the trade of live individuals and seeds. 

Donaldson, J.S. 2009. Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi Lehm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

CITES trade statistics derived from the CITES Trade Database, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, UK.

Regeneration potential
This species has a fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

It is not likely that this taxon's entire extant population can be removed (Bösenberg. DW, personal communication 2021, 1 December). Although this species is known to be exploited, as it does not have a vulnerable population recruitment and recovery may be possible.