Rationale

The Marakele Delicate Katydid is Vulnerable under criterion D2 because it has a very small and restricted population. It is only known from Marakele National Park in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Despite abundant surveys of the region, this species has not been encountered again, so its EOO and AOO are estimated at 4 km². Due to its highly restricted distribution, even a small disturbance can have a detrimental effect on the survival of the species as a whole. The most likely threats to the species are destruction of natural habitat or irretrievable changes to 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

The Marakele Delicate Katydid (Amyttacta marakelensis) is known only from Marakele National Park in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

Threats

Due to its severely restricted distribution, the Marakele Delicate Katydid is particularly prone to any changes in its habitat. The most likely disturbances are 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, wildfires, and extreme temperature fluctuations. 

Uses and trade

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species but it only occurs within Marakele National Park, Limpopo Province, South Africa.