Rationale
The Pondo Flat-necked Shieldback (Arytropteris pondo) is Critically Endangered under criteria B1 and B2 because it has a small area of occupancy and extent of occurrence (8 km2 each), has been found only at two localities, has a severely fragmented distribution, and its area, extent and quality of habitat are estimated to be in decline. It occurs only in Indian Ocean Coastal Belt forests of Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, and surroundings, including Silaka Nature Reserve, a highly fragmented habitat type which persists only as isolated patches. Although the species occurs within a protected area, its highly restricted distribution means that 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 increased grazing by wildlife or livestock, cultivation with exotic timber plantations or non-timber crops, and 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.