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Othonna cacalioides

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asteraceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is sensitive as it is threatened with illegal collection of wild individuals, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. The species has a small remaining population size with multiple threats, making it highly vulnerable to further population loss. Releasing data on this species can 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 species is Vulnerable as it is a range restricted endemic that is potentially threatened with habitat degradation and collection from the wild for the succulent trade (van Jaarsveld et al. 2005). This taxon occurs in easily accessible habitat and is thought to be very collectable small plants that is experiencing population loss from illegal collection (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018, 2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Helme, N.A. & Raimondo, D. 2005. Othonna cacalioides L.f. 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 has an area of occupancy of less than 20 km² and has an estimated population size of more than 5, 000 mature individuals (van Jaarsveld et al. 2005; Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Helme, N.A. & Raimondo, D. 2005. Othonna cacalioides L.f. 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 removed from the wild (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

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

Range restriction and threats including harvesting of wild individuals (van Jaarsveld et al. 2005; Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January), places the persistence of this species at risk whereby recruitment and recovery may be poor.

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Helme, N.A. & Raimondo, D. 2005. Othonna cacalioides L.f. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
van Jaarsveld et al 2005 Othonna cacalioides Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf869.34 KB
Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB
Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB
Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB
Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB