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Lithops olivacea

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
his 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. As this species is common and does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
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 a range restricted habitat specialist potentially threatened with harvesting for the specialist succulent trade (Victor, 2005). This species is known to be very common with large subpopulations (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 harvested. 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.

Victor, J.E. 2005. Lithops olivacea L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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

This species is one of the most common lithops with several large subpopulations (Earlé & Round, 2021).

Earlé, R.A. and Round, J.E., 2021. Lithops in habitat and cultivation.

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

As this species is common and does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Victor 2005 Lithops olivacea Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf818.01 KB
Lithops Auction.pdf788.33 KB
lithops.pdf1.95 MB