Babiana tanquana | 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 makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to 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 Rare (von Staden and Helme, 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.

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

The population is considered stable and currently known from four sites, but this recently described species may occur at additional sites. It has a known range of about 250 km². The full range is not yet known, but the EOO may be as large as 10 000 km² if it occurs across the Tanqua Karoo. It is a habitat specialist that is locally common. Large areas of its habitat, including two of the known sites are protected within the Tanqua Karoo National Park (von Staden and Helme, 2008).

von Staden, L. and Helme, N.A. 2008. Babiana tanquana J.C.Manning and Goldblatt. 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 likely to be limited by suitable habitat. Few known locations makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

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