Babiana rubella | 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.

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 Vulnerable (Helme and von Staden, 2008). 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.

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2008. Babiana rubella Goldblatt and J.C.Manning. 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

With an extent of occurence of 150 km² this species is known from two sites, one of which is the type locality of about 200 ha which has been transformed for crop cultivation in the last 10 years, and this subpopulation is potentially threatened by further expansion of crops. The total population is estimated to be fewer than 1000 mature individuals, though the population is currently considered stable (Helme and von Staden, 2008).

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2008. Babiana rubella Goldblatt and J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24

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

The population growth rate is unknown. Population size is limited by suitable habitat and should exploitation occur, even if only cuttings or leaves are collected, compounded with potential ongoing agricultural transformation which has been identified as a threat (Helme and von Staden, 2008), the chance of populations recovering may be poor.

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2008. Babiana rubella Goldblatt and J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24