Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to threatened by harvesting for the specialist succulent trade. This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Lithops genus from illegal collection. A small remaining population with several existing threats including harvesting, places the persistence of this species at risk. 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 Vulnerable as it is occurs at a single location and is threatened with illegal collection for the specialist succulent trade and habitat loss (Victor et al. 2005; Earle, R & Uijs, R, personal communication, 28 October 2022). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Recently several species of the Lithops genus have been illegal collected. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Lithops genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2019-2021) provided by Cape Nature and Sendelingsdrift Desert Botanic Gardens ). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.
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
In 2022 this species was known to have 12 remaining individuals (Earle, R & Uijs, R, personal communication, 28 October 2022).
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
A small remaining population with several existing threats including harvesting, places the persistence of this species at risk. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.
