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Ornithogalum perparvum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of the Ornithogalum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. Few known locations of occurrence with existing threats causing population decline, makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
Exploitation extent
Uncertain - No data exists yet showing that this species is exploited in the wild, however it has one or more relatives or look-alike species (found in South Africa or globally) that are known to be utilised. This species has a similar life form or other relevant traits to its exploited relative(s), making it highly likely that it would be exploited for the same purposes.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Vulnerable as it is known from 10 locations that are experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation (von Staden, 2012). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Several species 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.

von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum perparvum Poelln. 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 has an extent of occurrence of 9120 km² and is known from less than 10 locations (von Staden, 2012).

von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum perparvum Poelln. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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 locations of occurrence with existing threats causing population decline (von Staden, 2012), makes this species vulnerable to further population decline. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

von Staden, L. 2012. Ornithogalum perparvum Poelln. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
ornithogalum _ eBay.pdf800.52 KB
Ornithogalum aucfan.pdf509.83 KB
Ornithogalum perparvum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf542.84 KB