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Pelargonium echinatum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be wild collected to an 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 this taxon is widespread and exploitation is thought to have a minimal impact on the population, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
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 of Least Concern as it is widespread and not threatened (von Staden, 2020). Collectors are thought to remove cuttings and seed and this will have a minimal impact (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). A lot of populations are known to occur away from public roads (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 this species and others of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

von Staden, L. 2020. Pelargonium echinatum Curtis. 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 widespread (von Staden, 2020).

von Staden, L. 2020. Pelargonium echinatum Curtis. 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

Whole individuals are recorded in confiscations.

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 this taxon is widespread and exploitation is thought to have a minimal impact on the population, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium echinatum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf380.61 KB