Haemanthus pubescens subsp. arenicola | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This subspecies and several others of the Haemanthus genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Few known subpopulations as isolated, scattered individuals makes this subspecies vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this subspecies 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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this subspecies is Rare as it is known from eight subpopulations and is not experiencing significant threat (Snijman & Victor, 2009). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This subspecies and several others of the Haemanthus genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that rare subspecies may be at risk.

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Haemanthus pubescens L.f. subsp. arenicola Snijman. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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

This taxon is known from eight subpopulations and occurs as isolated, scattered individuals (Snijman & Victor, 2009).

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Haemanthus pubescens L.f. subsp. arenicola Snijman. 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.

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

Few known subpopulations as isolated, scattered individuals (Snijman & Victor, 2009) makes this subspecies vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor.

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Haemanthus pubescens L.f. subsp. arenicola Snijman. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

haemanthus _ eBay.pdf577.13 KB

Haemanthus pubescens arenicola Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf541.24 KB