Rationale
The Inflated Seedpod Shieldback (Thoracistus thyraeus) is Endangered under criterion B1 because it has has an estimated extent of occurrence of 500 km2, it has only been encountered at three locations in KwaZulu-Natal Province, and the area, extent and quality of its 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 with exotic timber or annual plants, 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.