Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this species has a vulnerable population size, exploitation along with other existing threat, places the persistence of this species at risk. 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 Endangered as it is has a restricted range and is threatened with severe and ongoing habitat loss and degradation (von Staden & Van Wyk, 2015). This species and others of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens).
von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Monsonia multifida E.Mey. 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 a limited range and is declining rapidly in its South African distribution whereby its population has declined by an estimated 20% in 10-15 years and is expected to decline by an additional 50% in the next 10 years due to mining (von Staden & Van Wyk, 2015).
von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Monsonia multifida E.Mey. 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.
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
This species is long lived, slow growing and infrequently recruits, placing the persistence of this species at risk in the face of ongoing threat (von Staden & Van Wyk, 2015).
von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Monsonia multifida E.Mey. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
