Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting. A small remaining population with existing threats 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 another sensitive species 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 Critically Endangered as it is known from a small and fragmented remaining subpopulation from habitat loss to agriculture and is experiencing ongoing population decline due to habitat degradation from overgrazing and alien invasive plant competition (Raimondo et al. 2016). 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. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2021) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that endangered species of this genus may be at risk to over-exploitation.
Raimondo, D., Ebrahim, I., von Witt, C. & van der Colff, D. 2016. Moraea amissa Goldblatt. 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 18-39 km² and is known from one, small and fragmented subpopulation (Raimondo et al. 2016).
Raimondo, D., Ebrahim, I., von Witt, C. & van der Colff, D. 2016. Moraea amissa Goldblatt. 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
One remaining small and fragmented subpopulation with existing threats causing population decline (Raimondo et al. 2016), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
Raimondo, D., Ebrahim, I., von Witt, C. & van der Colff, D. 2016. Moraea amissa Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
