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Ornithogalum maculatum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and several others of the Ornithogalum genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this species is thought to be common and widespread, recruitment and recovery from exploitation 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, common and not thought to be threatened (Klopper et al. 2012). 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 species and several others of the Ornithogalum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2021-2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species of this genus may be at risk to exploitation.

Klopper, R.R., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum maculatum Jacq. 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 thought to be widespread and common (Klopper et al. 2012).

Klopper, R.R., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum maculatum 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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

Specific population data on this species is not available. However as this species is thought to be common and widespread (Klopper et al. 2012), recruitment and recovery from exploitation may be possible.

Klopper, R.R., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum maculatum Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
ornithogalum _ eBay.pdf800.52 KB
Ornithogalum aucfan.pdf509.83 KB
Ornithogalum maculatum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf611.54 KB