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Scientific Name | Aloe neilcrouchii R.R.Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. |
Higher Classification | Monocotyledons |
Family | ASPHODELACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered B1ab(iii,iv,v)+2ab(iii,iv,v); C2a(i) |
Assessment Date | 2018/11/15 |
Assessor(s) | I.M. Johnson, J. Harvey, L. von Staden & H. Mtshali |
Justification | Aloe neilcrouchii has a restricted distribution range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 660 km², and an area of occupancy of 36 km². The population is small, consisting of an estimated 450-830 mature individuals, and is severely fragmented due to more than 80% historical habitat loss. The largest known subpopulation consists of between 100 and 250 mature individuals, and a continuing decline is inferred from ongoing habitat loss and degradation. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | KwaZulu-Natal |
Range | This species is endemic to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Midlands Mistbelt Grassland, Mooi River Highland Grassland, Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland |
Description | It occurs on south-east facing slopes in rocky, montane grassland. |
Threats |
| At least 80% of its habitat has been lost to forestry and sugarcane plantations. One subpopulation is in imminent danger of extirpation since the landowner had been given permission to plant sugarcane at the site. One subpopulation, which occurred by the side of the road, could not be relocated during follow-up field visits. The plants may have been removed by succulent collectors. |
Population |
This species is known from between eight and 10 subpopulations, and field observations of six of these indicate that subpopulations are small, consisting on average of between 50 and 100 mature individuals. One subpopulation has more than 100 mature individuals, but it is not suspected to have more than 250. In addition to being small, subpopulations are isolated on small grassland remnants, due to extensive historic habitat loss, and therefore the population is considered severely fragmented. The population size is estimated to be between 450 and 830 mature individuals, and a continuing decline is inferred from ongoing habitat loss.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Aloe neilcrouchii R.R.Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. | EN B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(i) | 2011.1 | |
Bibliography |
Klopper, R.R. and Smith, G.F. 2010. Asphodelaceae: Alooideae: Aloe neilcrouchii, a new robust Leptaloe from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bothalia 40(1):93-96.
Van Wyk, B.-E. and Smith, G.F. 2014. Guide to the Aloes of South Africa. (Third ed.). Briza Publications, Pretoria.
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Citation |
| Johnson, I.M., Harvey, J., von Staden, L. & Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe neilcrouchii R.R.Klopper & Gideon F.Sm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/01/20 |
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