Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)

Rationale (Changed due to New Information)

There has been some loss of in quality and extent of habitat within this species range for each of the three isolated subpopulations due to afforestation and urban development. However, large portions of its range are not transformed. In addition, each of the subpopulations have large parts of their range in Protected Areas. The species is therefore considered Least Concern.  


Distribution

Endemic to Limpopo Province, South Africa. Occurs in three allopatric subpopulations: western (Thabazimbi area), central (Mokopane area) and eastern (Woodbush/Haenertsburg area) (Jacobsen 1989, Bates 2005, Bates et al. 2014).

Decline

Although human activities such as afforestation have impacted some of this species natural habitat (particularly in the the eastern parts of its range) this is currently considered minor.

Population trend

Trend

No information on population size is currently available, but it is assumed to be stable.

Threats

Afforestation (e.g. pines) is the main threat, especially in the area of the eastern subpopulation may have caused a small amount of habitat loss and prevented free association of local populations. Construction and use of logging roads near known Pseudocordylus transvaalensis sites in the eastern subpopulation destroys some habitat (Bates et al. 2014) and may restrict movement and result in road kills. Should land transformation accelerate in the region, P. transvaalensis is potentially at greater risk because of its intrinsically low dispersal capabilities and restricted range.

Uses and trade

This species is listed in CITES Appendix II, but it cannot be considered as in trade. There was a single export under CITES in 2010 of Pseudocordylus transvaalensis for use as 'small leather products' (UNEP-WCMC 2017).

Conservation

This species is listed in CITES Appendix II; it occurs in some protected areas. A better understanding as to whether the three subpopulations are connected via gene flow forming a metapopulation would be useful to better assess the impact of habitat losses on this species.

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

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