Rationale
(Changed due to Knowledge of criteria)
Cordylus macropholis is found in three isolated subpopulations, encompassing an overall large distribution with an extent of occurrence (EOO) greater than 21,000 km2. Although there has been some habitat change (loss of quality and extent) within the three subpopulations, this change primarily occurred prior to 1990 with very minor losses since. In addition, most of the habitat is still natural within the remaining distribution, with the northernmost and southernmost subpopulations showing relatively little total loss (estimated 10-20% each) prior to 1990. The EOO therefore, is not in decline at present and this species is considered Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemic to the west coast of South Africa, in the Northern and Western Cape provinces (Bates et al. 2014). Occurs in three subpopulations along the coast, from Port Nolloth in the north to Yzerfontein in the south. The distributional gap between northern and central subpopulation appears to be real being separated by 250 km. There is a smaller gap (50 km) between the southern and central subpopulations that could be due to incomplete knowledge of distribution.
Decline
Moderate
Population trend
Trend
There is no estimate of population sizes or trends for this species. It is inferred to be not in decline at present, as habitat loss in the area since 1990 has been minimal. The species most likely underwent a historical decline due to development prior to 1990.
Threats
This species may have been under threat from coastal development although the majority of development took place prior to 1990 (South African National Landcover maps from 1900 and 2013, Geo Terra Image 2015, 2016). The northern isolated subpopulation would have been impacted by mining, whereas the two southern subpopulations would have been primarily impacted by agriculture and to a small extent, coastal urban development.
Uses and trade
This species is listed on CITES Appendix II, but has not been exported from South Africa for pet trade (UNEP-WCMC 2017). There are, however, limited exports for scientific purposes (14 individuals since 1988) and this is not expected to pose any risk for the species. Twenty-five individuals are recorded as exported with a Mozambican source, but the species does not occur in Mozambique and likely represent exports of a different cordylid species that occurs there.
Conservation
This species is listed in CITES Appendix II; it occurs in some protected areas. An investigation of the taxonomic status of the three subpopulations is needed to determine whether these represent distinct taxa. This would assist to better refine the EOO estimate which at present is reasonably large due to the large distribution gaps between the subpopulations.
