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Babiana cedarbergensis

Assessor: Juan Swanepoel

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been recorded confiscations of species of the Babiana genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, 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 Rare (Victor, 2005). This genus is increasing in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. There have been recorded confiscations of Babiana spp. from illegal collections (2021, confiscation data provided by Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk from the wild.

Victor, J.E. 2005. Babiana cedarbergensis G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/23

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

The population, known from 10 sites (465 km²) in the Cederberg Wilderness area is considered stable, occurring in a non-arable habitat (Victor, 2005)

Victor, J.E. 2005. Babiana cedarbergensis G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/23

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 taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.