Red List of South African Species

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Data Deficient (DD)
Assessors: Jonathan Ball
Facilitators: Mark Williams
Reviewers: Silvia Kirkman Domitilla Raimondo Rolf Oberprieler

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

This taxon is endemic to the Northern Cape Province in South Africa and has an uncertain range. It has not been seen near Steinkopf, where it was originally collected, for nearly fifty years. The taxon author has personally been to the type locality over twenty times since 1976. During this interval, vernal flower abundance has incrementally diminished by a remarkable degree. Some <i>Selago</i> sp. were present in moderate abundance in 1976. None have been seen for twenty years. This plant taxon may or may not have been utilized by the larvae. Other golden/dark Namaqualand <i>Lepidochrysops</i> populations may not be <i>L. penningtoni</i>. Taxonomic (including molecular genetics) research is about to be undertaken. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Data Deficient.

Distribution

Endemic to the Northern Cape Province in South Africa, from just north of Steinkopf. There are specimens from between Kotze's Rus and Kamieskroon that some collectors feel may be part of this taxon, however, molecular genetic analyses are required to determine if this is the case. These specimens are not included in this assessment.

Decline

There has been increasing aridification of the Type Locality north of Steinkopf, with a concommitant reduction in vernal flowers as noted by this author since 1976.

Population trend

Trend

No topotypical specimens have been noted for 40 years.

Threats

Overgrazing and extended droughts are threats. True <i>Lepidochrysops penningtoni</i> is possibly extinct.

Conservation

Taxonomic research on true taxonomic status of non-Steinkopf populations needs to be undertaken. There is possibly another undescribed taxon involved, which is neither <i>L. penningtoni</i> or <i>L. bacchus</i>.

References 

[@book{772,
 address = {Johannesburg &Cape Town},
 author = {Mecenero, S., Ball, J.B., Edge, D.A., Hamer, M.L., Henning, G.A., Krüger, M., Pringle, E.L., Terblanche, R.F. & Williams, M.C. (eds)},
 publisher = {Saftronics (pty) Ltd and  Animal Demography Unit, University of Cape Town},
 title = {Conservation assessment of butterflies of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland: Red List and Atlas.},
 year = {2013}
}
,@book{772,
 address = {Pretoria},
 author = {Henning, G.A., Terblanche, R.F. & Ball, J.B. (eds)},
 publisher = {South African National Biodiversity Institute},
 title = {South African Red Data Book: butterflies. SANBI Biodiversity Series},
 year = {2009}
}
,@article{772,
 author = {SANBI},
 journal = {South African National Biodiversity Institute},
 pages = {0},
 title = { Vegetation Map of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland [vector geospatial dataset] 2012. Available from the Biodiversity GIS website.},
 volume = {0},
 year = {2012}
}
,@book{890,
 address = {Pretoria},
 author = {Henning, S.F. & Henning, G.A.},
 publisher = {Council for Scientific and Industrial Research},
 title = {South Africa Red Data Book - Butterflies.},
 year = {1989}
}
,]
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