Rationale

Kristin's False Shieldback is Critically Endangered under criteria B1 and B2 because it has a very small and restricted population, and the area, extent and quality of its habitat are estimated to be in decline. It occurs only within Malta Forest, Limpopo Province, South Africa, has been found only at two localities, and has an estimated EOO and AOO of 8 km². Its highly restricted distribution means that even a small disturbance to its ecosystem can have a detrimental effect on the survival of the species as a whole. Malta Forest is an indigenous forest which is utilized by local human communities for resource use. The surrounding areas are cultivated with timber plantations, and the survival of Malta Forest into the distant future is not ensured. The most likely threats to the species are deforestation for profit or development, and change in microclimate or distribution of the species' food plants as a result of climate change. Due to its small body size and low motility, this species cannot be expected to shift its range in response to changes in its habitat. 

Distribution

Kristin's False Shieldback (Acilacris kristinae) is known from two localities in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

Threats

Due to its severely restricted distribution, Kristin's False Shieldback is particularly prone to any changes in its habitat. The most likely disturbances are deforestation for profit or development and climate change-associated variation in weather patterns which can affect the distribution of this species’ food plant and microhabitat conditions. Likely threats include droughts, floods, and extreme temperature fluctuations. 

Uses and trade

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species and it is not known to occur within any protected areas.