Rationale

The Transkei Shieldback (Transkeidectes multidentis) is Critically Endangered under criterion B2 because it has an estimated area of occupancy of 8 km², it has only been found at two localities in the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt forests of Port St. John's and surroundings, including Silaka Nature Reserve, the area, extent and quality of its habitat are estimated to be in decline, and its populations are severely fragmented. 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 change in microclimate or distribution of the species' food plants as a result of climate change, increased grazing by wildlife or livestock, or cultivation with exotic timber plantations or annual crops. 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 Transkei 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

Conservation

No specific conservation measures are in place for this species but it is not known to occur within one protected area, Silaka Nature Reserve.