Gladiolus vandermerwei | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Iridaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. A small population size 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.

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 Endangered as it is known from 10 highly fragmented remaining subpopulations after it has lost more than 80% of its habitat to agriculture as well as experiencing ongoing population decline due to alien invasive plant encroachment and overgrazing (Raimondo & Goldblatt, 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. Another species of this genus is known to be threatened with harvesting of wild individuals (Victor & Duncan, 2010). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that endangered species may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Raimondo, D. & Goldblatt, P. 2006. Gladiolus vandermerwei (L.Bolus) Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. 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 has an extent of occurrence of less than 5 000 km² with 10 fragmented subpopulations and an estimated population size of 2500 individuals (Raimondo & Goldblatt, 2006).

Raimondo, D. & Goldblatt, P. 2006. Gladiolus vandermerwei (L.Bolus) Goldblatt & M.P.de Vos. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version

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

Few remaining small subpopulations with past and ongoing threats (Raimondo & Goldblatt, 2006), places the persistence of this species at risk. If exploitation were to also occur, recruitment and recovery would be poor.

Reference file

gladiolus _ eBay.pdf786.27 KB

Gladiolus vandermerwei Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf726.35 KB