Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. No particular South African species are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals. A small remaining population size existing threat 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 another sensitive species 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 one remaining location with a small population due to habitat loss from crop cultivation, dam construction and afforestation as well as alien invasive plant encroachment (Goldblatt et al. 2007). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. No particular South African species are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals.
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & Turner, R.C. 2007. Watsonia distans 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
This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 750 km² whereby one of eight of its known locations are remaining with an estimated population size of less than 250 mature individuals (Goldblatt et al. 2007).
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & Turner, R.C. 2007. Watsonia distans L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
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
One known locality with a small population and existing threat (Goldblatt et al. 2007), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Raimondo, D. & Turner, R.C. 2007. Watsonia distans L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
