Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Vulnerable as it is severely fragmented and threatened by habitat loss and degradation (Goldblatt et al. 2006). This genus is 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 threatened with harvesting of wild individuals (Victor & Duncan, 2010). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that vulnerable species may be at risk to over-exploitation.
Goldblatt, P., Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2006. Gladiolus abbreviatus Andrews. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 12 600 km², has lost 80% of its habitat and remaining subpopulations are small and fragmented (Goldblatt et al. 2006).
Goldblatt, P., Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2006. Gladiolus abbreviatus Andrews. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Small and fragmented subpopulations with existing threats causing population decline (Goldblatt et al. 2006), makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
Goldblatt, P., Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2006. Gladiolus abbreviatus Andrews. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.