Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. No particular South African species are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals. Few remaining known subpopulations with existing threat causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, 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 Critically Endangered as it is known from two highly fragmented remaining subpopulations due to habitat loss from urban expansion, infrastructure development and agricultural expansion as well as ongoing habitat degradation and alien invasive plant encroachment (Goldblatt et al. 2013). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. No particular South African species are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals.
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2013. Watsonia humilis Mill. 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 93 km² and is known from two small and fragmented subpopulations (Goldblatt et al. 2013).
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2013. Watsonia humilis Mill. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently 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
Few small and fragmented remaining subpopulations with ongoing existing threat (Goldblatt et al. 2013), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2013. Watsonia humilis Mill. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
