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Haworthiopsis pungens

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be targeted with illegal collection to a minor extent. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in high demand in international horticultural trade. Few known locations of occurrence makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Releasing data on this species can 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
Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Vulnerable as it is known from two locations and is potentially threatened with habitat loss (Raimondo & von Staden, 2014). This species is known to be targeted with illegal collection from the wild for horticultural trade to a minor extent (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Several species of this genus are targeted and utilized for both the medicinal and horticultural trade which could result in this species being exploited for similar purposes. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2019-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). 

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis pungens (M.B.Bayer) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning. 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 180 km² and is known from two locations (Raimondo & von Staden, 2014).

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis pungens (M.B.Bayer) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning. 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

Individuals are removed from the wild.

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

Two known locations and existing threats including exploitation (Raimondo & von Staden, 2014) (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022), makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis pungens (M.B.Bayer) Boatwr. & J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB
Haworthiopsis pungens Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf538.41 KB
Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB
Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB