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Lithops meyeri

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is potentially threatened with harvesting for the specialist succulent trade. This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Lithops genus from illegal collection. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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 Vulnerable as it is a range restricted habitat specialist that is threatened by habitat degradation and potentially by harvesting for the specialist succulent trade (Victor, 2005). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Recently several species of the Lithops genus have been illegal harvested. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Lithops genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2019-2021) provided by Cape Nature and Sendelingsdrift Desert Botanic Gardens). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

Victor, J.E. 2005. Lithops meyeri L.Bolus. 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 is known from more than five subpopulations (Earlé & Round, 2021).

Earlé, R.A. and Round, J.E., 2021. Lithops in habitat and cultivation.

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

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
Lithops Auction.pdf788.33 KB
lithops.pdf1.95 MB
Victor 2005 Lithops meyeri Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf612.66 KB