SANBI

Rationale

A restricted endemic taxon to the Western Cape Province, South Africa (EOO 2 177 km<sup>2</sup>, AOO 48 km<sup>2</sup>). There are six widely separated locations (17-72 km apart) with no possibility of gene flow between them, or recolonisation following local extinction and, therefore, the entire population is severely fragmented. Many of the subpopulations are threatened with habitat degradation from invasive alien plants and livestock overgrazing taking place. Some subpopulations are only known from one record and may not still be extant. It therefore qualifies as Endangered under criterion B. We have better knowledge of the distribution of this taxon and a more accurate assessment of its AOO and EOO. There are six widely separated locations (17-72 km apart) with no possibility of gene flow between them, or recolonisation following local extinction and therefore we are able to say that the entire population is severely fragmented. Many of the subpopulations are threatened with habitat degradation from invasive alien plants and livestock overgrazing taking place. Some subpopulations are only known from one record and may not still be extant. The improved knowledge means that the previous should also have been Endangered instead of Vulnerable, thus a non-genuine change in status.

Distribution

Endemic to the southern coastal region in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, from Bredasdorp in the west to Stilbaai in the east.

Decline

Reasons for decline are encroachment of alien plants, expansion of agricultural activities, and grazing by domestic livestock. Monitoring and more research is needed at all the known localities.

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

The 11 subpopulations are spread over six locations, separated by distances of 17-72 km, much greater than the taxon's average dispersal distance of 1-2 km. Four of the six locations contain very small subpopulations represented by only one record, and the subpopulations at the fifth location are in decline. The fragmentation is exacerbated because the intervening landscape is much transformed by agriculture and property developments.

Threats

Large scale agro-industry farming, grazing and ranching, as well as invasive alien vegetation has caused the loss of some subpopulations in the past and may do so in the future. Current and future threats are encroachment by alien plants, agricultural activities and grazing by domestic livestock. The continued suppression of fires and the disruption of natural fire regimes may also impact on the viability of remaining habitat patches.

Conservation

Monitoring of subpopulations and habitat quality is required to inform management actions, which may include control of alien invasive vegetation and elimination of domestic livestock grazing. The largest location 12 km south-east of Riversdale, with four subpopulations, merits some kind of formal protection (perhaps a stewardship agreement with CapeNature).

References

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,]

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