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Othonna retrorsa

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asteraceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is sensitive as it is threatened with illegal collection of wild individuals, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. The species has unusual growth forms and variation within accessible habitat which makes it very collectible and vulnerable to further population loss. Releasing data on this species can exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of wild populations. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is range restricted but not experiencing significant threat (von Staden et al. 2011). Recently several species of the Othonna genus has been targeted by illegal harvesters. This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species has unusual growth forms and variation which makes it very collectible as well as it growing in accessible areas (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). In 2003-2011, this species was traded for commercial purposes via wild collection of individuals and unknown sources as captured on the CITES trade database. This species and others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

von Staden, L., Matlamela, P.F. & Kamundi, D.A. 2011. Othonna retrorsa DC. 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 taxon has an extent of occurrence 3 035 km², is known from 20 small and scattered subpopulations with an estimated 50 individuals per subpopulation (von Staden et al. 2011). Currently, this taxon is thought to have a population size of less than 5,000 individuals in the wild (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

von Staden, L., Matlamela, P.F. & Kamundi, D.A. 2011. Othonna retrorsa DC. 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

Live individuals are recorded in the CITES trade database.

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

Small and scattered subpopulations (von Staden et al. 2011) that are known to be exploited and vulnerable may result in insufficient levels of recruitment if the species is over-collected and were to recover (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

von Staden, L., Matlamela, P.F. & Kamundi, D.A. 2011. Othonna retrorsa DC. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
CITES Othonna retrorsa.csv373 bytes
Othonna retrorsa Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf550.12 KB
Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB
Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB
Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB
Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB