Trachyandra filiformis | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Other species of this genus are threatened by illegal collection of wild individuals for horticultural trade. A declining population size from existing threats, makes this species vulnerable to further 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 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 Endangered as it is known from 20-30 locations that are experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation (Helme & von Staden, 2018). Other species of this genus are threatened by illegal collection of wild individuals for horticultural trade (Raimondo & Van Wyk, 2015). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2020-2022) provided by Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Cape Nature). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2018. Trachyandra filiformis (Aiton) Oberm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Raimondo, D. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Trachyandra aridimontana J.C.Manning. 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 becoming increasingly rare and has an extent of occurrence of 608 km² whereby 70% of its habitat has been transformed (Helme & von Staden, 2018). It is known from 20-30 locations with a declining population size (Helme & von Staden, 2018).

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2018. Trachyandra filiformis (Aiton) Oberm. 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 and existing threats causing population decline (Helme & von Staden, 2018), makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Helme, N.A. & von Staden, L. 2018. Trachyandra filiformis (Aiton) Oberm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

Trachyandra Aucfan.pdf524.09 KB

trachyandra _ eBay.pdf1 MB

Trachyandra filiformis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf756.42 KB