Opistophthalmus fossor

Assessor: Ian Engelbrecht

Sensitive in 2010
Yes
Family
Scorpionidae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is deemed not sensitive given that this species is not as yet recorded in the pet trade, and that there is limited demand for specialized species such as this in the pet trade. The species occurs over a relatively large geographic area, so any targeted harvesting only affects individual populations on particular habitat remnants.
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

The burrowing scorpions of the genus Opistophthalmus appear in the international and local exotic pet trade with some regularity (see websites listed below for examples). The primary species traded are O. glabrifrons and O. wahlbergii, which are desired for their large size, impressive appearance, relatively placid demeanor, and ease of care. These scorpions are easily bred in captivity and animals sold in the trade are almost always of wild origin. While the species discussed here is not reported from the pet trade, it may be targeted by hobbyist collectors with a special interest in the genus. However, it would appear that interest in the 'thin-tailed' scorpions (scorpionids and hormurids) has decreased since around a decade ago in favor of keeping thick-tailed scorpions of the family Buthidae (pers. obs.) as they are easier to care for and breed in general.

https://undergroundreptiles.com/shop/burrowing-scorpion/

https://www.skorpione-tityus.com/opistophthalmus/

http://www.backwaterreptiles.com/scorpions-for-sale.html

Population vulnerability
Unknown
Justification and references

The population size of this species is unknown but it's geographic range (Extent of Occurrence) extends over an area of approximately 3500km2. This species occurs on rocky mountain slopes, and is not subject to pressure from agricultural habitat transformation as is the case with other species. However, it is very patchily distributed across it's geographic range, appearing to prefer certain soil or rock types (pers. obs.).

The known distributions of scorpions are based on records published in Lamoral and Reynders (1975) and Prendini (1995), on ScorpionMap project on the ADU Virtual Museum, and on my own experience sampling scorpions across southern Africa for atlasing and taxonomic purposes. The estimate of the extent of occurrence for this species was prepared using Google Maps satellite imagery for identifying the extent of the region it occupies, using an online area calculation tool available at https://www.daftlogic.com/projects-google-maps-area-calculator-tool.htm.

Lamoral, B.H. and Reynders S.C. 1975. A catalogue of the scorpions described from the Ethiopian faunal region up to December 1973. Annals of the Natal Museum 33: 489-576.

Prendini, L. 1995. Patterns of scorpion distribution in southern Africa: a GIS approach. Unpublished BSc (Hons.) Thesis. University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
Unknown
Justification and references

The species occurs over a relatively large geographic area, so any targeted harvesting would only affect individual subpopulations or 'colonies' in areas of suitable habitat. Given that this species is not as yet recorded in the pet trade, and that there is limited demand for specialized species such as this in the pet trade, this criterion is not relevant for assessing its sensitivity status.