Red List of South African Species

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Endangered (EN)

Rationale

An endemic taxon from the Western Cape Province in South Africa (EOO 1 369 km<sup>2</sup>). There are three locations at Struisbaai, De Hoop Nature Reserve and Vermaaklikheid, but it has not been recorded at Struisbaai or De Hoop for at least 10 years. There is therefore a decline in EOO, AOO, number of subpopulations and number of mature individuals. The habitat is declining due to encroachment of alien vegetation. The last record for this taxon was at Vermaaklikheid more than five years ago, where less than ten specimens were seen. Despite regular visits to De Hoop and Vermaaklikheid by the taxon author since then, no more specimens have been seen. Although it is scarce, there are no noticeable changes to the threats to this taxon and there is still a large area between Struisbaai in the west and Vermaaklikheid in the east with suitable habitat. The taxon thus qualifies globally under the IUCN criteria as Endangered under criterion B. New and better information has proved that this butterfly is far more rare than previously thought. It has been seen at only one of its three known localities in the last 510 years and the number of individuals seen here have declined. It was previously seen in good numbers and there were no obvious threats. Since the previous assessment alien vegetation has become a serious threat. The status change from Least Concern to Endangered is therefore genuine.

Distribution

Endemic to the Western Cape Province in South Africa, from De Hoop Nature Reserve near Bredasdorp in the west and Vermaaklikheid and Struisbaai in the east.

Decline

Alien vegetation encroachment at Vermaaklikheid.

Population trend

Trend

There is no information currently available.

Threats

There are three locations at Struisbaai, De Hoop Nature Reserve and Vermaaklikheid, but it has not been recorded at Struisbaai or De Hoop for at least 10 years. There is therefore a decline in EOO, AOO, number of subpopulations and number of mature individuals. The habitat is declining due to encroachment of alien vegetation.

Conservation

Effective control of alien wattles at Vermaaklikheid is needed.

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

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