Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is experiencing population decline due to illegal removal of plants. This taxon is thought to be a popular horticultural specimen which has lead to its localised extinction in accessible areas. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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 but is experiencing population decline due to illegal removal of plants and habitat loss (Mtshali, 2018). This taxon is thought to be a popular horticultural specimen which has lead to its localised extinction in accessible areas (Mtshali, 2018). There has been several recorded confiscations of the species and genus from illegal collection (Confiscation Lists (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). An internet survey indicated that this genus is very popular in trade, and that there is a very high demand. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade (Grace, 2011). Many wild aloe species are threatened by over-exploitation for the succulent plant trade as well as over-utilisation for cosmetics and natural products which makes rare, endemic and utility taxa conservation priority (Grace, 2011).  This suggests that this species and genus is being targeted and may threatened with over-collection. 

Grace, O.M., 2011. Current perspectives on the economic botany of the genus Aloe L.(Xanthorrhoeaceae). South African Journal of Botany77(4), pp.980-987.

Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe humilis (L.) Mill. 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 (Mtshali, 2018). Population size is unknown.

Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe humilis (L.) Mill. 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 (Mtshali, 2018).

Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe humilis (L.) Mill. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.