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Moraea versicolor

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Other Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Few known locations of occurrence with fragmented subpopulations and existing threats causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to 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 Vulnerable as it is known from 11-20 locations that are experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation (Koopman & Raimondo, 2008). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals (Goldblatt et al. 2006; Goldblatt & Raimondo, 2006). Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that vulnerable species of this genus may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea angulata Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Goldblatt, P. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea atropunctata Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Koopman, R. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Moraea versicolor (Salisb. ex Klatt) 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 7400 km² and is known from 11-20 fragmented subpopulations whereby 80% of its habitat has been lost and is declining (Koopman & Raimondo, 2008).

Koopman, R. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Moraea versicolor (Salisb. ex Klatt) 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

Few known locations of occurrence with fragmented subpopulations and existing threats causing population decline (Koopman & Raimondo, 2008), makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Koopman, R. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Moraea versicolor (Salisb. ex Klatt) Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
moraea.pdf669.68 KB
Moraea versicolor Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf607.42 KB