Rationale
The Seedpod Shieldback (Thoracistus semeniphagus) is Endangered under criterion B2 because it has a small area of occupancy (8 km2), a small number of locations (2), and is expected to experience a decline in extent of suitable habitat. This species has a disjunct distribution at present, but may be two separate species. It is not known to occur within any protected areas, and its grassland habitats are highly suitable for cultivation. Its highly restricted and disjunct 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 with exotic tree plantations or annual crops, 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.