Red List of South African Species

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Endangered (EN)
B1ab(iii)
Assessors: Corinna Bazelet Piotr Naskrecki
Reviewers: Axel Hochkirch Mark Bushell

Rationale

The Tree Winter Katydid (Brinckiella arboricola) is Endangered under criterion B1 because its extent of occurrence is small (~2,800 km2), it has only been recorded in three locations, and its habitat quality is estimated to be in decline. This species occurs within the Fynbos and Succulent Karoo biomes, both of which are notable biodiversity hotspots, naturally geographically restricted and under anthropogenic stress. This habitat type is predominantly utilized for livestock grazing, cultivation with annual crops, and urban development which may be detrimental to the host plants of the species. The genus of this species experienced an adaptive radiation in the region, with at least 9 species known in a relatively small geographic area. This species occurs within Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve, Western Cape, and Goegap Nature Reserve, Northern Cape.

Distribution

The Tree Winter Katydid is endemic to Northern and Western Cape Provinces, South Africa.

Population trend

Trend

No information on population sizes or trends is available.

Threats

The principal threat to this species is habitat destruction by cultivation with annual crops, over-grazing, urban development or alien species invasion. Climate change is also likely to effect the distribution of the species host plants by altering rainfall patterns and ambient temperatures.

Uses and trade

This species is not utilized.

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species but it is known to occur within at least two protected areas, Matjiesrivier and Goegap Nature Reserves.

References 

[@electronic{58124,
 address = {www.iucnredlist.org},
 author = {IUCN},
 title = {The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3},
 year = {2014}
}
,@article{20644119,
 author = {Naskrecki, P. and Bazelet, C.S.},
 journal = {Zootaxa},
 pages = {46--62},
 title = {A species radiation among South African flightless spring katydids  (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae: Brinckiella Chopard)},
 volume = {2056.0},
 year = {2009}
}
,]
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