Pelargonium quarciticola | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Geraniaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is thought to be potentially sensitive to exploitation due to its restricted distribution in a tourist hotspot. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is either similar to 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 Rare as it is a range restricted endemic that is not threatened (Kamundi et al. 2018). This taxon is thought to be potentially sensitive to exploitation due to its restricted distribution in a tourist hotspot (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden).

Kamundi, D.A., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2018. Pelargonium quarciticola Meve & E.M.Marais. 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 175 km² (Kamundi et al. 2018).

Kamundi, D.A., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2018. Pelargonium quarciticola Meve & E.M.Marais. 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

Range restriction and endemism makes this species vulnerable to population loss.

Reference file

Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB

Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB

Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB

Pelargonium quarciticola Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf837.33 KB