Reason for the sensitivity status
This subspecies is considered to be extinct in the wild due to collection of individuals from the wild for the specialist succulent horticultural trade as well as other threat.
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
This species is considered to be Extinct in the Wild due to ongoing collection for the specialist succulent horticultural trade as well as habitat degradation (Hammer & Young 2015). A large portion of the original population was collected in the 1970's which is thought to have severely depleted the population (Young, 2022).
Hammer, S.A. & Young, A.J. 2015. Conophytum herreanthus S.A.Hammer subsp. herreanthus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Young, A. 2022. (assessment in prep 2022) Conophytum herreanthus subsp. herreanthus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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
Plants were originally reported from a single location and not been seen in habitat for more than 20 years despite several searches in the area (Young, 20220. The botanist, Hans Herre, who discovered this taxon, removed many, many plants to introduce to cultivation several decades ago and it is possible that this severely depleted the population (Young, 2022). More exhaustive searches are required before it can be determined if this subspecies is extinct in the wild (Young, 2022).
Young, A. 2022. (assessment in prep 2022) Conophytum herreanthus subsp. herreanthus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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
Regeneration potential for the vast majority of the Conophytum genus is very poor as recruitment is low and dependent on successive, appropriate weather conditions. Seeds are not known to disperse. Regeneration will take decades. (Young, personal communication 2021, 5 October)
