South African Red Data Book: Plants - fynbos and Karoo biomes

Abstract

In this report a list is given of 1 808 rare, threatened and recently extinct plants in the fynbos and karoo biomes in the Cape Province of South Africa. The area covers the south-western and southern Cape, Namaqualand and the Karoo. Following the IUCN categories the area has 29 plants Extinct, 118 Endangered, 183 Vulnerable, 495 Critically Rare. 281 Indeterminate and 702 Uncertain. Local lists are given for the main biogeographic zones in the area. The extent and causes of the threatened plant problem are discussed and lines along which research and conservation action might follow are proposed. Data are provided on the populations and conservation priorities of about 250 species