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Gibbaeum dispar

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is threatened with harvesting of wild individuals for the specialist succulent horticultural trade. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of Gibbaeum species from illegal collection. A small population size with existing threats causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. 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 Vulnerable as it is threatened with habitat loss, degradation and harvesting of wild individuals for the specialist succulent horticultural trade (Klak et al. 2006). This species is known to be highly sought after by succulent collectors (Klak et al. 2006). 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.

Klak, C., Vlok, J.H. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Gibbaeum dispar N.E.Br. 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 species is known from one location (Klak et al. 2006).

Klak, C., Vlok, J.H. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Gibbaeum dispar N.E.Br. 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 harvested (Klak et al. 2006).

Klak, C., Vlok, J.H. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Gibbaeum dispar N.E.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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

A small population size with existing threats causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. 

Reference file
Gibbaeum dispar Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf632.47 KB
gibbaeum _ eBay.pdf1.25 MB
Gibbaeum Aucfan.pdf1.05 MB