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Alepidea multisecta

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Apiaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Other species in this genus are known to be utilized for medicinal purposes and threatened by collection of wild individuals. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Alepidea genus from illegal collection. Few known subpopulations with existing threat 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. 
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
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 Vulnerable as it is known from two large subpopulations that is threatened by alien invasive plant encroachment, habitat loss and degradation (Helme & von Staden, 2016). Other species in this genus are known to be utilized for medicinal purposes and threatened by collection of wild individuals (Hutchinson et al. 2016; Cunningham, 1988; Williams, 2003). There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Alepidea genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2010) provided by Cape Nature).

Cunningham, A.B. 1988. An investigation of the herbal medicine trade in Natal/KwaZulu. Investigational Report No. 29. Institute of Natural Resources, Pietermaritzburg.

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2016. Alepidea multisecta B.L.Burtt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Hutchinson, S.L., Raimondo, D., Williams, V.L., van Wyk, B.E. & Lötter, M. 2016. Alepidea cordifolia B.-E.van Wyk. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Raimondo, D. 2008. Alepidea delicatula Weim. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Williams, V.L. 2003. Hawkers of health: an investigation of the Faraday Street traditional medicine market in Johannesburg. Report to Gauteng Directorate for Nature Conservation, DACEL.

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 is known from two subpopulations (Helme & von Staden, 2016).

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2016. Alepidea multisecta B.L.Burtt. 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 subpopulations and several threats makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. 

Reference file
Alepidea multisecta Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf540.92 KB