Red List of South African Species

Alternatively, Explore species
| National Red List categories | Partners |
Endangered (EN)
Assessors: Kevin Cockburn
Facilitators: Mark Williams
Reviewers: Silvia Kirkman Domitilla Raimondo Rolf Oberprieler

Rationale

This range-restricted endemic is from the Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (EOO 130 km<sup>2</sup>, AOO 52 km<sup>2</sup>). There are three locations. The habitat is subjected to increasing human impact and grazing pressures. Increasing numbers of livestock, in particular small stock, are expected to cause degradation of the habitat at some of the localities. The grassland is a fire-climax vegetation type, and increased demand for fodder is leading to alteration of burning times and the reduction in fuel loads. These changes are expected to change the vegetation composition over time. Impacting factors, mentioned above, are being observed at present. At one of the three locations for this species no adults from a well-known subpopulation have been seen for more than 10 years. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Endangered under criterion B. Previously assessed as Vulnerable (B1 & B2) with 610 locations, now assessed as Endangered (B1 & B2) with 3 locations. The status of the population has not changed much since the first assessment and threats have not significantly intensified to qualify a downgrade in status. The main reason for the change in status is due to the calculation and interpretation of the number of locations, which should have also been three locations for the first assessment, having made it Endangered then too. The change in status from Vulnerable to Endangered is therefore not genuine.

Distribution

Endemic to KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, from the Estcourt and Mooi River regions and west towards Greytown.

Decline

Modification, degradation or transformation of habitats continues with increased livestock grazing pressures and conversion of habitats for alternative uses. Inappropriate veld management practices may also contribute to habitat loss.

Population trend

Trend

The numbers in one subpopulation, at Mooi River, have reduced sharply in recent years. This site is being heavily grazed and the condition of the grassland is deteriorating (K. Cockburn, pers. obs.; S. Woodhall, pers. comm.)

Threats

The main threats emanate from agricultural activity and commercial afforestation of Eucalyptus species and Pinus species. This has been coupled with a lack of habitat connectivity and habitat fragmentation. Changed fire frequency due to adjacent plantations as well as for fodder management is also a threat. Continuous grazing on communal grazing areas is exerting pressure on habitats. Gas exploration and potential future fracking activity pose a major threat to this taxon, as the area has been targeted for exploratory drilling.

Conservation

No subpopulations have been found in conservation areas. Survey of likely habitats is needed to identify additional subpopulations. Most subpopulations are on privately owned farmland with one or two on public or state land. The Mooi River subpopulation on public land should be monitored, and a management plan may be required for it, depending on land-use activities. The relevant landowners on farmland should be included in an awareness program.

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{882,
 address = {Cape Town, South Africa},
 author = {Woodhall, S.E.},
 publisher = {Struik},
 title = {Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa.},
 year = {2005}
}
,@book{893,
 author = {Williams, M.C.},
 publisher = {CD-ROM. Available from the author at mark.williams[at]up.ac.za.},
 title = {Butterflies and skippers of the Afrotropical Region.},
 year = {2016}
}
,]
Send feedback about this assessment to SANBI

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page