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Scientific Name | Indigofera ovina Harv. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | FABACEAE |
Common Names | Skaapboontjie (a), Skaapboontjiebossie (a) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable B1ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2017/09/28 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden |
Justification | Indigofera ovina is a range-restricted species, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 2991 km². It is known from fewer than 10 locations and is threatened by habitat degradation across its range. It is therefore listed as Vulnerable under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where it occurs between Queenstown, Cathcart and Hogsback. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Tarkastad Montane Shrubland, Queenstown Thornveld, Tsomo Grassland, Karoo Escarpment Grassland, Amathole Montane Grassland |
Description | It occurs on summits of rocky hills. |
Threats |
| According to Harvey (1861), Indigofera ovina is highly palatable and excessively grazed by sheep and goats. Its habitat in the immediate vicinity of Queenstown is severely overgrazed, and the species was last recorded in this area in the 1950s. Field surveys are needed to determine whether the species persists in this area. Recent records are mainly from around Hogsback, where much of its grassland habitat has been converted to timber plantations. Plantations are no longer significantly expanding, but remaining grassland fragments continue to be degraded due to spreading alien invasive plants. |
Population |
It is known from only a few records, and there are no recent field surveys. A continuing population decline is inferred from ongoing habitat degradation across its range. Field surveys are needed to gain a better understanding of its resilience to disturbance.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Indigofera ovina Harv. | VU B1ab(iii) | 2020.1 | | Indigofera ovina Harv. | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Harvey, W.H. 1861. Leguminosae. In: W.H. Harvey and O.W. Sonder (eds). Flora Capensis II (Leguminosae to Loranthaceae):1-285. Hodges, Smith and Co., Dublin.
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.
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Citation |
| von Staden, L. 2017. Indigofera ovina Harv. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14 |
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