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Euphorbia herrei

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Euphorbia genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. A vulnerable population size with existing threat and exploitation may result in poor recruitment and recovery. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is extremely rare in the wild and is known to be exploited, utilised or traded. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Critically Endangered as it is known from a single location that is threatened with ongoing habitat loss (von Staden, 2015). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Euphorbia genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Euphorbia herrei A.C.White, R.A.Dyer & B.Sloane. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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 taxon is known from one location with an extent of occurrence of 1 km² (von Staden, 2015).

von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Euphorbia herrei A.C.White, R.A.Dyer & B.Sloane. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) individuals are killed, significantly weakened or are permanently removed from the wild, OR immature individuals are targeted and this significantly impacts mature (breeding) individuals.
Justification and references

Whole individuals are removed.

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

One known location of occurrence and ongoing threat places this species at risk of extinction.

Reference file
Euphorbia herrei Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf546.58 KB
euphorbia _ eBay.pdf1.06 MB
Euphorbia Aucfan.pdf1.75 MB