Babiana pauciflora | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Juan Swanepoel

Sensitive in 2010

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. Few known locations of occurrence with existing threats causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

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 (Goldblatt and Raimondo, 2006). 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.

Goldblatt, P. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana pauciflora G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24

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 species is known from four locations where it has historically lost habitat to wheat cultivation, however, the population is currently stable. Potential current threats include olive and cereal cultivation, and road verge clearing (Goldblatt and Raimondo, 2006).

Goldblatt, P. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana pauciflora G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24

Targeted demographics

Unknown.

Regeneration potential

Unknown

Justification and references

The population growth rate is unknown. Population size is likely to be limited by suitable habitat. Should exploitation occur, even if only cuttings or leaves are collected, compounded with ongoing olive and cereal cultivation, and road verge clearing which have been identified as potential threats (Goldblatt and Raimondo, 2006), the chance of populations recovering may be poor.

Goldblatt, P. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana pauciflora G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24