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Lachenalia pusilla

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and several others of Lachenalia genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As half of this species habitat has been lost, it is experiencing population decline due from threats, and is being targeted and collected from the wild, this species is vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery 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
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 but experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation whereby at least 50% of its habitat has been lost (Duncan et al. 2019). 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. Another species of this genus is known to be utilized and collected from the wild for horticultural trade (Duncan et al. 2015). This species and several others of Lachenalia genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Duncan, G.D., Helme, N.A., Ebrahim, I. & von Staden, L. 2015. Lachenalia viridiflora W.F.Barker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Duncan, G.D., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2019. Lachenalia pusilla Jacq. 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

Specific population data on this species is not available. It is known to be very widespread however 50% of its habitat has been lost and it is experiencing population decline (Duncan et al. 2019).

Duncan, G.D., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2019. Lachenalia pusilla Jacq. 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 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

As 50% of this species habitat has been lost, it is experiencing population decline due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation (Duncan et al. 2019) as well as being targeted and collected from the wild- the persistence of this species may be at risk.

Duncan, G.D., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2019. Lachenalia pusilla Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Lachenalia pusilla Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf753.16 KB
lachenalia _ eBay.pdf675.25 KB
Lachenalia aucfan.pdf868.19 KB