Connochaetes taurinus | SANBI Sensitive Species

Exploitation extent

Managed - the species is utilised, but utilisation is sustainably managed. I.e. the number utilised does not exceed the number produced by the wild populations - this should be examined on an annual basis.

Justification and references

This species is utilised widely in trophy hunting, biltong hunting (both local subsistence and local commercial), and live animal sales. These uses are not considered to impact negatively on the population, as it is expected to be increasing in abundance on private lands (Tambling et al. 2016). As such, this is a candidate species on which to base rural wildlife economies and sustainable food production.While there is some evidence of its use in traditional medicine markets 9Whiting et al. 2011), this is thought to be more opportunistic than a pervasive threat.

Tambling C, Viljoen P, Kotze A. 2016. A conservation assessment of Connochaetes taurinus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.https://www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/pdf/Artiodactyla%20(36%20assessments)/2016%20Mammal%20Red%20List_Connochaetes%20taurinus_LC.pdf

Whiting, M.J., Williams, V.L. and Hibbitts, T.J. 2011. Animals Traded for Traditional Medicine at the Faraday Market in South Africa: Species Diversity and Conservation Implications.” Journal of Zoology 284: 84–96.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-642-29026-8_19

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

In South African National Parks alone (six parks), there are an estimated 8,818–18,318 individuals and at least 44,689 animals in total (2013 counts), including 42,450 animals within the natural distribution range. This equates to 29,715 mature animals assuming a 70% mature population structure. Thus, we infer there are well over 10,000 mature individuals in the assessment region (Tambling et al. 2016).

Tambling C, Viljoen P, Kotze A. 2016. A conservation assessment of Connochaetes taurinus. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.https://www.ewt.org.za/Reddata/pdf/Artiodactyla%20(36%20assessments)/2016%20Mammal%20Red%20List_Connochaetes%20taurinus_LC.pdf

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

Harvested for food and trophies and traditional medicine.

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

Growth rate is estimated at approximately 20% per annum (Bothma 2002) so under optimal conditions (as experienced on numerous game farms where water and forage will not be limiting and predators are not present) offtake could be as high as the estimated growth rate.

Bothma J du P, du Toit JT, van Rooyen J. 2010. Buying and selling wild animals. Pages 619–639 in Bothma J du P, editor. Game Ranch Management. Van Schaik Publishers, Pretoria, South Africa.