Gethyllis longistyla | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

Several species of this genus have been targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Other species of this genus are known to be utilised. A small population size 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 as it is relatively widespread, occurring in small subpopulations and is not threatened (Snijman & Raimondo, 2016). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). Another taxon of this genus is threatened by over-collecting of its fruits for food and medicinal purposes (Snijman & Raimondo, 2015). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that rare species may be at risk.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2015. Gethyllis britteniana Baker subsp. herrei (L.Bolus) D.Müll.-Doblies. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2016. Gethyllis longistyla Bolus. 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 cryptic, known from small and scattered subpopulations over a wide area (Snijman & Raimondo, 2016).

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2016. Gethyllis longistyla Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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

Rarity and small and scattered subpopulations makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file

Gethyllis longistyla Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf745.71 KB

Gethyllis search results.pdf833.3 KB