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Scientific Name | Acanthopsis nitida H.M.Steyn |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | ACANTHACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2023/02/10 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden & H.M. Steyn |
Justification | A range-restricted species with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 263 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 20 km². It is known from five locations and is experiencing ongoing habitat degradation due to overgrazing and ongoing drought. It therefore qualifies for listing as Endangered under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | This species occurs in the Namaqualand escarpment west of Steinkopf, in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Anenous Plateau Shrubland, Kosiesberg Succulent Shrubland |
Description | It occurs in well-drained sandy soils on stony mountain slopes, 690-1100 m. |
Threats |
| This species occurs in an area used predominantly for livestock grazing, and in some areas, particularly close to settlements, overstocking of communal rangelands has led to a loss of shrub cover and plant species diversity. As rangelands closer to settlements are becoming increasingly degraded, herders need to move their stock further into remote areas, and this species may become at risk. The recent drought that started in 2012 and is still ongoing at the time of assessment has led to increased pressure from livestock grazing. |
Population |
This species is known from only five scattered subpopulations within a small area. It is possible that more, as yet undiscovered, subpopulations exist, as it occurs in a remote area and large areas of suitable habitat are not accessible by road. The population is suspected to be declining due to ongoing habitat degradation as a result of livestock overgrazing and drought.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Acanthopsis nitida H.M.Steyn | VU D2 | 2020.1 | |
Bibliography |
Steyn, H.M. and Van Wyk, A.E. 2017. Taxonomic notes on Acanthopsis (Acanthaceae, tribe Acantheae): the group with semi-dense spikes and 5-fid bracts. Phytotaxa 324(2):101-121.
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Citation |
| von Staden, L. & Steyn, H.M. 2023. Acanthopsis nitida H.M.Steyn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |
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