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Euphorbia waterbergensis

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. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
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 as it is locally common and not experiencing significant threat (Winter et al. 2008). 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 Euphorbia species from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) 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.

Winter, P.J.D., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2008. Euphorbia waterbergensis R.A.Dyer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability
Population is not vulnerable: size is > 2500 mature individuals, AND the number of known subpopulations is > 5 AND range > 100km2
Justification and references

This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 730 km² and is known from 10 subpopulations (Winter et al. 2008).

Winter, P.J.D., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2008. Euphorbia waterbergensis R.A.Dyer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
This species has a fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

Subpopulations appear to be healthy and are successfully recruiting (Winter et al. 2008).

Winter, P.J.D., Victor, J.E. & von Staden, L. 2008. Euphorbia waterbergensis R.A.Dyer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
euphorbia _ eBay.pdf1.06 MB
Euphorbia Aucfan.pdf1.75 MB
Euphorbia waterbergensis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf548.61 KB