Rationale
The threat status of Zlobin's Meadow Katydid (Conocephalus zlobini) is Vulnerable under criterion B1. Its extent of occurrence is relatively small (~10,500 km2), it has only been recorded in six locations and the area, extent and quality of its habitat are expected to be in decline due to grazing pressure, cultivation, invasive alien plants and climate change. Much of this species distribution occurs in Golden Gate National Park and in Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve, providing the species with some protection.
Threats
This species occurs in montane, temperate grasslands in regions which are under intensive grazing pressure by livestock and wildlife. A large proportion of the species distribution range falls within protected areas, and these areas are threatened with tourist activities. The regions outside of the protected areas are intensively cultivated with non-timber crops and plantation forestry, and are often invaded by alien plant species such as Lantana spp., bugweed and other non-native weed species. Furthermore, climate change is already causing increasingly frequent extreme weather events in these regions, which is liable to drastically effect the distribution of grasses, the katydid's food plant.
