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Aloe pearsonii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is threatened by illegal collection of wild individuals. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade. This species and several others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. A small remaining population size with existing threats causing population decline places the persistence of this species at risk. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is extremely rare in the wild and is known to be exploited, utilised or traded. 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

This species is Vulnerable. The CITES trade database has recorded trade in the species since 1982 until 2019 with commercial and personal purpose, sourced from artificial propagation and confiscation or seizure. The Guardian has reported a 85% population decline in the last 5 years in the Richtersveld area due to climate change and poaching (Dall 2021). According to PlantZA, Aloe pearsonii is regarded as endangered as a result of illegal collecting and of habitat loss due to mining activities and overgrazing (Voigt 2007). The SANBI Red List Assessment also notes a decline in populations (Van Wyk & Raimondo 2020). There has been recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Aloe genus from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation List (2022) provided by Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). 

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

Dall, N. 2021, 3 May 2021. Succulent smuggling: why are South Africa’s rare desert plants vanishing? The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/03/drought-dust-storms-plant-theft-unique-botanical-landscape-peril-aoe

Van Wyk, P.C.V. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Aloe pearsonii Schönland. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1

Voigt, W. 2007. Aloe pearsonii Schönland. PlantZAfrica. Available at: http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-pearsonii

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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is range-restricted with a extent occurrence of 128 km² and an area of occupancy of 52 km² (Van Wyk & Raimondo 2020). Known locations of populations are not more than 10. The species is at risk of localised extinctions due to its range restrictions and exposure to overgrazing, drought, climate change and poaching.

Van Wyk, P.C.V. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Aloe pearsonii Schönland. 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.
Justification and references

The CITES Trade Database has recorded live individuals, stems, seeds and fruit being traded which suggest whole individuals are being targeted.

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

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

According to the SANBI Red list Assessment, recruitment is poor due to ongoing drought and overgrazing causing mature individuals to die off too (Van Wyk & Raimondo 2020). Recruitment and recovery from harvesting too, may be poor. 

Van Wyk, P.C.V. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Aloe pearsonii Schönland. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1

Golding, J.S. and Hurter, P.J.H., 2003. A Red List account of Africa's cycads and implications of considering life-history and threats. Biodiversity & Conservation, 12(3), pp.507-528.

Reference file
CITES Trade Database on Aloe pearsonii2.69 KB
Succulent smuggling_ why are South Africa’s rare desert plants vanishing_ _ Plants _ The Guardian.pdf44.17 KB
Van Wyk & Raimondo 2020 Aloe pearsonii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf648.03 KB
aloe _ eBay.pdf643.68 KB
Aloe Aucfan.pdf468.22 KB