Huernia longii subsp. echidnopsioides | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Apocynaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There has been recorded confiscations of several species of the genus from illegal collection. 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 range-restricted and not threatened due to unsuitability for agriculture (Victor & Raimondo, 2009). 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. There has been recorded confiscations of several species of the genus from illegal collection (Confiscations Lists (2022) provided by Kirstenbosch and Karoo Desert Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Victor, J.E. & Raimondo, D. 2009. Huernia longii Pillans subsp. echidnopsioides (L.C.Leach) Bruyns. 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 488 km² (Victor & Raimondo, 2009).

Victor, J.E. & Raimondo, D. 2009. Huernia longii Pillans subsp. echidnopsioides (L.C.Leach) Bruyns. 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

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.

Reference file

huernia _ eBay.pdf1.16 MB

Huernia Aucfan.pdf847.75 KB

Huernia longii echidnopsioides Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf541.49 KB