Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is threatened by collecting of wild individuals for the succulent trade. An internet survey of online market places indicated that this genus is not very popular in trade and that there is little demand. Plants of this genus have been confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Although specific population data on this species is not available, rarity and potential threats including exploitation makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species may 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
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Vulnerable as it is rare, poorly known and potentially threatened by habitat degradation from overgrazing as well as collecting of wild individuals for the succulent trade (von Staden & Victor, 2014). An internet survey of online market places indicated that this genus is not very popular in trade and that there is little demand. Plants of this genus have been confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2019-2021) provided by SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species of this genus can be at risk to collection and removal from the wild.
von Staden, L. & Victor, J.E. 2014. Schwantesia acutipetala L.Bolus. 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
Population data on this species is not available but it is of vulnerable threat status (von Staden & Victor, 2014).
von Staden, L. & Victor, J.E. 2014. Schwantesia acutipetala L.Bolus. 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
Although specific population data on this species is not available, rarity and potential threats of habitat degradation and exploitation (von Staden & Victor, 2014) places the persistence of this species at risk. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.
von Staden, L. & Victor, J.E. 2014. Schwantesia acutipetala L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
