Red List of South African Species

Alternatively, Explore species
Endangered (EN)
Assessors: Gary Bronner

Rationale (Changed due to Same category but change in criteria)

Until recently known only from a single location, but recorded from a second location near Groenriviermond in 2003; this suggests that the range of this species is more widespread than previously recognized. The extent of occurrence ie estimated to be just under 5,000 km2  and area of occupancy is estimated to be 32 km2 (assuming a grid cell area of 16 km2). Dramatic habitat alteration owing to mining of coastal sands for alluvial diamonds and heavy metals could be impacting on the coastal dune habitats of this species, as this has been identified as a threat to Eremitalpa granti (Smithers 1986) with which this species coexists, and large-scale alluvial diamond mines occur at Hondeklipbaai (about 60 km from the Groenriviermond subpopulation) and are undergoing expansion. Habitat alteration owing to the erection of wind farms near the type locality is a potential but localized threat. The species is therefore confirmed as Endangered under criterion B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Distribution

Until recently, recorded from only the type locality near Lambert's Bay, Western Cape, South Africa (Helgen and Wilson 2001). Another specimen was collected at Groenriviermond, some 150 km further north along the Namaqualand coast in November 2003 (Northern Cape), suggesting that the range of this species is more extensive than previously recognized, perhaps due to the difficulty in catching these moles. Range continuity between these localities cannot, however, be justifiably assumed as so little is known about the ecological requirements and tolerances of this species.

Population trend

Trend

This species is extremely rare even at the two locations where it is known to occur. No quantitative data are available.

Threats

Dramatic habitat alteration owing to large-scale mining of coastal sands for alluvial diamonds and heavy metals could be impacting on the coastal dune habitats of this species, as large-scale alluvial diamond mines occur at Hondeklipbaai (~60 km from the Groenriviermond subpopulation) and undergoing expansion. However, the extent and impact of this potential threat is unknown. Habitat alteration associated with the establishment of wind farms near the type locality, and  tourism developments along the west coast may pose additional threats.

Conservation

Occurs near the Groenrivier mouth in Namaqua National Park. Research is needed to establish distribution limits and to gather basic data on natural history of this species.

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page