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Pelargonium tongaense

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be wild collected to a insignificant extent. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As collection has a minimal or insignificant impact and the population size is not vulnerable, this taxon is not sensitive.
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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Rare as it is habitat specialist that is not experiencing significant threat (Scott-Shaw & von Staden, 2007). Collectors will take cuttings and not on significant scale (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 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/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). 

Scott-Shaw, C.R. & von Staden, L. 2007. Pelargonium tongaense Vorster. 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 2000 km² and is a habitat specialist that is thought to be locally common (Scott-Shaw & von Staden, 2007).

Scott-Shaw, C.R. & von Staden, L. 2007. Pelargonium tongaense Vorster. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
Justification and references

Cuttings are taken (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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

As collection has a minimal or insignificant impact and the population size is not vulnerable, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB