Flag for Taxon: Night-scented Pelargonium (Pelargonium triste)
| Flagger | Content Author | Content | Reason | Flag Created | Resolved by | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cooperj | Night-scented Pelargonium (Pelargonium triste) |
potential conservation status issue |
Nov. 29, 2021 21:01:18 +0000 | Not Resolved |
Comments
@ish_crew If this species is listed as Least Concern, what is the reason for its observation locations being obscured?
This common species is red listed as Least Concern, but has a proposed CITES listed. Presumably, as a target of illegal harvesting for muthi and such. I don't believe this species is necessary threatened by this poaching, though, which I guess is on a very local scale. Either way, poachers are surely just sangomas or shamans not using iNat to find locations. Curious to hear other comments: @tonyrebelo @ish_crew @mattmatt
In which case, the benefits of having this species open outweigh the negatives.
I have objected to this being obscured.
But apparently the plants are dug up and their rootstocks are used as bonsais, and sold overseas, hence the need for CITES listing.
It is Least Concern.
I think it is overkill. Still be evaluated. IF amended it will be done some time in February/March with the next update. Otherwise it will stay.
Sensitive Species have nothing to do with the IUCN status, unless the major threat is poaching or harvesting.
Currently, hundreds and hundreds of P triste are being illegally dug up, transported to Tanzania, furnished with paperwork and sold "legally". However, given the wide distribution of this species and its usually dense populations, I doubt strongly that this could lead to populations being wiped out to the extent of e.g. conophytums and other small succulents.
There is lots of online revolt against this trade route, so I suspect it'll diminish in time, though other routes might open up. Same for e.g. Monsonia crassicaulis etc.
https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/taxon-incorrectly-listed-as-nt-but-when-clicked-listed-as-lc/28176/3