Back to search results

Watsonia fergusoniae

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is 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. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
Exploitation extent
None - this species and its close relatives are not exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Vulnerable as it is known from less than 10 locations that are experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation (Goldblatt et al. 2006). This genus is 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., Naidoo, K. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Watsonia fergusoniae L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability
Population is not vulnerable: size is > 2500 mature individuals, AND the number of known subpopulations is > 5 AND range > 100km2
Justification and references

This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 2498 km² and is known from 10 locations (Goldblatt et al. 2006).

Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C., Naidoo, K. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Watsonia fergusoniae 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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Watsonia fergusoniae Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf757.32 KB
watsonia _ eBay.pdf545.25 KB