Babiana villosula | 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 remaining locations that 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.

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 Endangered (Manning 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.

Manning, J.C. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana villosula (J.F.Gmel.) Ker Gawl. ex Steud. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/28

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

Considered to have a decreasing population trend. A range-restricted species (extent of occurrence <2000 km²), extant at seven of its 18 historical locations. It has lost over 80% of its habitat to urban development, wheat and vineyard expansion, invasive alien plant infestations. Occurs as small, severely fragmented subpopulations. Loss to urban expansion and alien plant invasion is ongoing (Manning and Raimondo, 2006).

Manning, J.C. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana villosula (J.F.Gmel.) Ker Gawl. ex Steud. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/28

Targeted demographics

Unknown.

Regeneration potential

Unknown

Justification and references

The population growth rate is unknown. Population size is limited by suitable habitat. Should exploitation occur, even if only cuttings or leaves are collected, compounded with ongoing habitat loss and degradation to invasive alien species, pollution and harvesting which have been identified as threats (Manning and Raimondo, 2006), the chance of populations recovering may be poor.

Manning, J.C. and Raimondo, D. 2006. Babiana villosula (J.F.Gmel.) Ker Gawl. ex Steud. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/28