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Pelargonium saxatile

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be wild collected to a insignificant extent. 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. As collection has a minimal or insignificant impact and it is in cultivation, this taxon is not sensitive.
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 Critically Rare as it is a localised habitat specialist that is not threatened (Manning et al. 2014). It is thought to be unlikely to be collected on large scale due to its remote location (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). It is already in cultivation in Europe and part of seed exchange programme (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). 

Manning, J.C., Goldblatt, P. & Raimondo, D. 2014. Pelargonium saxatile J.C.Manning & 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 is a localised habitat specialist with a restricted range (Manning et al. 2014).

Manning, J.C., Goldblatt, P. & Raimondo, D. 2014. Pelargonium saxatile J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. 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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

As this species is not thought to be threatened and exploitation is minimal, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Pelargonium saxatile Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf809.48 KB
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB