Rationale
(Changed due to Same category and criteria)
An endemic, range-restricted taxon from Limpopo Province in South Africa (EOO 230 km<sup>2</sup>, AOO 16 km<sup>2</sup>). Recorded from four locations, only one of which is in a nature reserve. Habitat modification from fire, forestry and human settlements are threats. Monitoring of subpopulations over the past 10 years shows there is ongoing decline in the number of mature individuals despite there not being apparent habitat destruction. Some localities have been modified by alien vegetation and human interference. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Endangered under Criterion B.
Distribution
Endemic to Limpopo Province in South Africa, on the higher peaks of the Soutpansberg mountains.
Decline
Habitat modification along the higher areas of the Soutpansberg.
Plantation forestry, with its consequent habitat modification has caused past loss and fragmentation of habitat. Modern farming practices have led to a lower fire frequency in the area, causing degradation of habitat and consequent impoverishment of biodiversity. The currently known localities are near the summits of an isolated mountain range. Consequently, future global warming may reduce its range without any room for dispersal into cooler upland regions. Bush encroachment is also a threat.
Conservation
The taxon occurs in the Luvhondo Nature Reserve. No conservation measures have been implemented for it. Autecological study and a management plan that includes monitoring are required. The taxon has been found in the vicinity of other nature reserves but not in the reserves. More data on this taxon’s life history and distribution are needed.
[@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}
}
,]
