Reason for the sensitivity status
Several species of this genus have been targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Other species of this genus are known to be utilised. A small population size makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
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
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Critically Endangered as it is known from few individuals from one site and not threatened (Snijman et al. 2007). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that Endangered species may be at risk.
Snijman, D.A., Harrower, A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Gethyllis latifolia Masson ex Baker. 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 four individuals from one site (Snijman et al. 2007).
Snijman, D.A., Harrower, A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Gethyllis latifolia Masson ex Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
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
Few individuals known from one location makes this species highly vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
