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Scientific Name | Conophytum bruynsii S.A.Hammer |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered B1ab(v)+2ab(v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/10 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young & D. Raimondo |
Justification | This is a localized species to the Western Cape Province, South Africa, with all known subpopulations occurring within an area of 0.017 km². Based on the IUCN guidelines this species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 4 km². It is known from a single location where ongoing decline is inferred to be taking place due to the recent surge in illegal harvesting of rare Conophytums taking place across the Western and Northern Cape. This species therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | information redacted, contact SANBI |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Southern Namaqualand Quartzite Klipkoppe Shrubland |
Description | Exposed, west-facing sandstone slopes. |
Threats |
| Plants occur on land that is used for livestock grazing. Habitat degradation as well as trampling is a potential threat. It is a rare and localized species and is increasingly popular in cultivation and in demand by collectors. Illegal collection is highly likely to have taken place given the recent rapid increase in demand for Conophytums coming from China, Japan and Korea and the significant increase in illegal poaching events taking place across the Northern Cape since March 2019. |
Population |
This species is localized to a single ridge where it is locally abundant, with the population consisting of more than 1000 individuals. Population decline is inferred due to illegal collecting.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum bruynsii S.A.Hammer | VU D2 | 2017.1 | | Conophytum bruynsii S.A.Hammer | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Hammer, S. 2002. Dumpling and his wife: New view of the genus Conophytum. EAE Creative Colour, Norwich.
Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Rodgerson, C. 2006. Conophytum bruynsii. CactusWorld 24(3):114-116.
Snijman, D.A. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
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Citation |
| Young, A.J. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Conophytum bruynsii S.A.Hammer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/04 |
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