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Pelargonium ellaphieae

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
Yes
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is thought to be in low demand, locations are remote, and plants not easy to locate. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Although exploitation may be minimal, a small population size experiencing existing threat, makes this species vulnerable to population loss. 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
Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Endangered as it has historically lost its habitat and is now threatened with illegal collection for horticultural trade (Raimondo, 207). It is thought that there is low demand, locations are remote, and plants not easy to locate (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). The species is also part of seed exchange programme by Geraniaceae group (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is in demand and of popular 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/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). 

Raimondo, D. 2007. Pelargonium ellaphieae E.M.Marais. 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

Subpopulations are small and scattered with an estimated population size of less than 2500 individuals (Raimondo, 2007).

Raimondo, D. 2007. Pelargonium ellaphieae E.M.Marais. 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

Small and fragmented subpopulations with existing threats makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB
Pelargonium ellaphieae Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf632.02 KB