Brackenridgea zanguebarica | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Ochnaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species has lost majority of its population due to bark harvesting for traditional medicinal trade and firewood collection. A small remaining population size with existing threat makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species 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 Critically Endangered as it is known from one location that has lost majority of its population due to bark harvesting for traditional medicinal trade, firewood collection and habitat loss (Williams & Raimondo, 2008). Uncontrolled harvesting of this species has been reported, bark and root removal have been recorded and seen at medicinal markets (Todd et al. 2004)

Todd, C.B., Khorommbi, K., Van der Waal, B.C. and Weisser, P.J. 2004. Conservation of woodland and biodiversity. A complementary traditional and western approach towards protecting Brackenridgea zanguebarica. In: M.J. Lawes, H.A.C. Eeley, C.M. Shackleton and B.G.S. Geach (eds.), Indigenous Forests and Woodlands in South Africa. Policy, People and Practice (pp. 737-750), University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.

Williams, V.L. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. 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 extent of occurrence of 35 km² in South Africa and has lost more than 80% of its population (Williams & Raimondo, 2008).

Williams, V.L. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. 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

Roots, bark and whole trees are removed and utilized (Williams & Raimondo, 2008).

Williams, V.L. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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 small remaining population size with existing threat makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor.

Reference file

Brackenridgea zanguebarica Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf567.61 KB