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Avonia lavbleckiana subsp. major

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Anacampserotaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This subspecies is potentially threatened with collection of wild individuals for the specialist succulent trade. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of Avonia species from illegal collection. A small population size with potential threats makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this taxon could 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 known from a single location and is potentially threatened with collection of wild individuals for the specialist succulent trade and habitat degradation (Raimondo & Williamson, 2014). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. There have been several recorded confiscations of Avonia species from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2021) provided by Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Raimondo, D. & Williamson, G. 2014. Avonia lavbleckiana G.Will. subsp. major G.Will. 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 is known from a single location (Raimondo & Williamson, 2014).

Raimondo, D. & Williamson, G. 2014. Avonia lavbleckiana G.Will. subsp. major G.Will. 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.
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

A single known location with potential threat from illegal collection of wild individuals (Raimondo & Williamson, 2014), places the persistence of this subspecies at risk whereby recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Raimondo, D. & Williamson, G. 2014. Avonia lavbleckiana G.Will. subsp. major G.Will. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
avonia _.pdf1.04 MB
Avonia lavbleckiana major Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf530.64 KB
avonia search results.pdf776.86 KB