Othonna cakilifolia | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asteraceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is sensitive as it is very rare in the wild, its habitat is easily accessible and it is vulnerable to illegal collection and cultivation. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. The species has a small remaining population size with multiple threats, making it highly vulnerable to further population loss. Releasing data on this species can exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is either similar to 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 a rare and range restricted endemic potentially threatened with habitat loss (Raimondo, 2007). This species is very rare in the wild, its habitat is easily accessible and it is vulnerable to illegal collection and cultivation (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018, 2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Raimondo, D. 2007. Othonna cakilifolia DC. 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 is known from fewer than five locations with an estimated population size of fewer than 1,00 plants (Raimondo, 2007; Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

Raimondo, D. 2007. Othonna cakilifolia DC. 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 existing potential threat and vulnerability to collection and cultivation (Raimondo, 2007; Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Raimondo, D. 2007. Othonna cakilifolia DC. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

Raimondo 2007 Othonna cakilifolia Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf624.17 KB

Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB

Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB

Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB

Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB