Rationale

The Zulu Ambush Katydid (Peringueyella zulu) is Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) under criterion B2 because it has a small area of occupancy (~8 km²), is severely fragmented, and its extent of suitable habitat is estimated to be in decline. This species has only been recorded from two locations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with the most recent collection being in 1922. The species apparently occurs within grassland habitats, so the distance between the two collecting localities, despite the presence of apparently suitable habitat in between, indicates that the distribution of the species is severely fragmented. Furthermore, the species has never been recorded from a protected area, and its grassland habitat is in great demand for livestock grazing and cultivation with exotic timber plantations and non-timber crops such as maize, and is therefore estimated to be in decline. The most likely threats to the species are change in microclimate or distribution of the species' food plants as a result of climate change, cultivation, or increased grazing by wildlife or livestock. Due to its small body size and low motility, this species cannot be expected to shift its range in response to changes in its habitat. 

Distribution

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

Threats

Due to its severely restricted distribution, the Zulu Ambush Katydid is particularly prone to any changes in its habitat. The most likely disturbances are over-grazing by livestock, cultivation with exotic timber plantations or non-timber small-holder crops and climate change-associated variation in weather patterns which can affect the distribution of this species’ food plant and microhabitat conditions. Likely threats include droughts, floods, wildfires, and extreme temperature fluctuations. 

Uses and trade

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species and it is not known to occur within any protected areas.