Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

Widespread and found in areas that are not impacted by habitat transformation. It is considered well protected in South Africa and is in more than 10 Protected Areas. The species is therefore considered Least Concern.

Distribution

Endemic to southwestern Africa. Recorded from Moeb Bay in Namibia southwards along the West Coast of South Africa (Broadley 1990). In South Africa it occurs in the western parts of Northern Cape and northwestern parts of Western Cape provinces, as far south as Graafwater (Bates et al. 2014). There is still some uncertainty regarding the southernmost extent of its range. Old records from Porterville and Bredasdorp in the Western Cape (Branch 1999) may be referable to other species of dwarf adder (e.g. Bitis rubida, B. armata), and have been excluded from the present distribution pending confirmation. Branch’s (1999) Potberg record is considered to be referable to B. armata as there are recent records of this species from that locality.

Population trend

Trend

The population is suspected to be stable.

Threats

There are no known substantial threats to this species.

Uses and trade

There is no known utilization. The species may be collected for the pet trade but this is not perceived to be a significant threat.

Conservation

Conduct surveys to determine the extent of its range, especially in the south.

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page