Open image gallery
A widespread and adaptable species that does not appear to be in decline. Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively large distribution, presumed large population, ability to thrive in mildly-transformed habitats and its occurrence in a number of protected areas.
This species as presently known is found in South Africa and possibly also Swaziland (but whether the Swaziland specimens represent this species of Amblysomus septentrionalis, or both, awaits confirmation by genetic data). Occurs coastally from the Eastern Cape, in the vicinity of Van Staden's River, northwards to St Lucia district in KwaZulu-Natal. Ranges inland to the foot of the Drakensberg escarpment, from Maclear/Ugie in the south to Van Reenen in the north, possibly with a marginal intrusion into northeastern Free State (Bronner 2013). An apparently isolated subspecies (A. h. meesteri) occurs in the Barberton/Graskop region of Mpumalanga, and likely represents a cryptic species (see taxonomic notes). Previously reported from Lesotho, based on a misidentified specimen (representing Chlorotalpa sclateri); a marginal occurrence in Lesotho in the northern Drakensberg (near Bethlehem) cannot, however, be discounted as species limits and distributions of this taxon and A. septentrionalis await clarification.
No major threats. Inferred minor threats include persecution and poisoning by landowners, habitat alteration (especially in urban and coastal resort areas) and predation by domestic dogs and cats.