Red List of South African Species

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Critically Endangered (CR)
B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)

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. 

Distribution

The Pondo Flat-necked Shieldback is only known from the immediate vicinity of Port St. John's, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, including Silaka Nature Reserve.

Population trend

Trend

No information on population sizes or trends is available.

Threats

Due to its severely restricted distribution, the Pondo Flat-necked Shieldback is particularly prone to any changes in its habitat. The most likely disturbances are over-grazing by livestock, cultivation with exotic timber or non-timber crops, 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, wildfires, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

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 in at least one protected areas, Silaka Nature Reserve. 

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

See the partners page