|
Scientific Name | Tetraena applanata (Van Zyl) Beier & Thulin |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | ZYGOPHYLLACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2022/08/29 |
Assessor(s) | N.N. Mhlongo, P.C.V. Van Wyk & N.A. Helme |
Justification | Known from two locations in the Richtersveld in the Northern Cape Province, this species has a limited distribution range. It has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 10 km². The population is declining due to habitat loss from mining and the severe impacts of the extended drought which started in 2015 and is still ongoing at the time of assessment. It is also present in Namibia where there are at least eight locations known, it is also declining due to mining in Namibia and the national status is therefore not downgraded. It is listed as Endangered under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | Not endemic to South Africa |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | This species was previously only known from a small area in the southern parts of Namibia, namely Lüderitz, south of Aus and towards Rosh Pinah and Witputz. Recent records have also been found of this species in the Richtersveld of South Africa's Northern Cape Province. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Western Gariep Hills Desert |
Description | It is a subshrub and grows mostly in the desert or dry shrubland biomes. |
Threats |
| This species has suffered losses within its South African range due to the extended droughts which started in 2015 and is still ongoing at the time of assessment. However, it is more resilient to the impacts of drought than most other species occurring within its range and less than 5% of the population has been lost due to drought. It has however lost substantial habitat as a result of mining which is ongoing and expanding. |
Population |
While this species is affected by mining and the population is declining, there are several healthy subpopulations which occur away from the mines. This species is easy to overlook and there may be more subpopulations than currently recorded.
|
Population trend | Decreasing |
Bibliography |
Van Zyl, L. and Marais, E.M. 1999. Three new species of Zygophyllum (Zygophyllaceae) from Namibia and Northern Cape, South Africa. Bothalia 29(2):231-237.
|
Citation |
| Mhlongo, N.N., Van Wyk, P.C.V. & Helme, N.A. 2022. Tetraena applanata (Van Zyl) Beier & Thulin. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/06 |
Comment on this assessment
