Rationale
(Changed due to Same category and criteria)
This species is widespread and relatively common; therefore considered to be of Least Concern. However, it inhabits only grassland and fynbos habitats (Branch 1998) and these declined in extent by 7% and 9% respectively during the period 1996–2000 (Rouget et al. 2003, O’Connor and Kuyler 2009) and continue to decline (CSIR 2008), partly as a result of crop farming, afforestation and changes in fire regimes. Further habitat transformation could result in additional population fragmentation, increasing vulnerability. Despite this, National Landcover data shows that rate of habitat loss has slowed substantially since 1990 (Geo Terra 2015, 2016).
Distribution
Endemic to South Africa and Eswatini [Swaziland] (Bates et al. 2014). Localities are widely scattered, which might suggest a naturally patchy distribution. Known from the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape Province, extending eastwards through the Eastern Cape, eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, western Eswatini and Mpumalanga provinces. It may also occur in Limpopo Province, western Lesotho and southern Mozambique, although this requires confirmation.
Decline
No quantitatve information on population size or trend is currently available, but given the wide distribution and relatively moderate habitat loss over its range, the species is inferred to be stable. The northeastern portion of the range is more heavily impacted by habitat loss and the impacts of this on the species populations is not known.
Threats
There are some general threats to habitat within this species range, such as agriculture, afforestation and changes in fire regimes. It inhabits grassland and fynbos habitats that declined in extent by 7% and 9% respectively during the period 1996-2000, and while there is a continued decline (CSIR 2008), the overall change at present is minimal in this region (Geo Terra 2015, 2016). It is possible that additional habitat loss will be incurred as as anthropogenic impacts grow on a global scale.
Conservation
This species is rarely seen, and poorly known in terms of its biology. The range appears to coincide with a number of protected areas. Better information regarding its distribution, habitat preferences and whether the threats in its range are having an impact would be useful.
