Rationale

The Arboreal Seedpod Shieldback (Thoracistus arboreus) is Critically Endangered under criterion B2 because it has an estimated area of occupancy of 4 km², it occurs in only one location in Clarens, Free State Province, South Africa, and its area, extent and quality of habitat are estimated to be in decline. 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 change in microclimate or distribution of the species' food plants as a result of climate change, agricultural cultivation or increased grazing by wildlife or livestock. 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

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

Threats

Due to its severely restricted distribution, the Arboreal Seedpod Shieldback is particularly prone to any changes in its habitat. The most likely disturbances are over-grazing by livestock, cultivation with 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

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species and it is not known to occur within any protected areas but its known locality is very nearby to Golden Gate National Park, so it is expected to occur within the protected area.