Red List of South African Species

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Near Threatened (NT)

Rationale

The Langkloof Agile Grasshopper (Rhachitopis sanguinipes) is endemic to the Langkloof Valley in South Africa. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca 1,500 km² and there are three to ten locations (based upon the threat of habitat conversion into farmland and tree plantations). However, there is currently no indication of any continuing decline. The species is therefore assessed as Near Threatened, as it nearly meets the thresholds of Red List criterion B1. More research into its distribution, ecology, threats and population trend is required.

Distribution

This species is only known from the Langkloof Valley in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca 1,500 km².

Population trend

Trend

According to Brown (1960), the species is locally common. More recent data on the population size or trend is lacking.

Threats

The threats to this species are poorly documented. It is threatened by habitat conversion into farmland or plantations of exotic trees, but the effects on the species still need to be studied in detail. The species is currently only known from three localities, which (based upon the threat of habitat conversion) can be considered three locations according to the definitions of the Red List criteria. The species might be more common, so that the real number of locations is probably higher, but assumed to be less than ten.

Uses and trade

The species is not utilised.

Conservation

No specific conservation action is in place for this species. It does not occur in any protected area. Research into its distribution, ecology, threats and population trend is required.

Lead agencies, Partners and Funders

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