Scientific publication (e.g., journal articles and book chapters independently peer-reviewed)
Impact of Ethnobotanical Utilization on the Population Structure of Androstachys Johnsonii Prain. in the Vhembe Area of the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Decreasing
Is the species endemic HIDE
No
Population Status
Common and wildly distributed
Unknown/not recorded
National Level
Unknown/not recorded
Threats/Pressures impacting the conservation of the species
This species has been heavily exploited for timber where it occurs, for example in Mozambique it was one of the most exploited timber species in 2005, and this is exacerbated by it being a slow-growing tree. It suffers from deforestation, such as in the Baixo Pinda Forest Reserve and to a lesser extent in Matibane Forest Reserve, which have been subject to clearance for agriculture (Lemmens et al. 2012, J. Timberlake pers. comm. 2019). In Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe, Androstachys johnsonii are declining from high population densities of African elephants and high fire frequencies causing a shift from savanna woodland to scrubland or grassland
Are specific characteristics/traits being targeted?
Unknown/not recorded
Purpose of Use
Basic subsistence (meeting day to day essential needs)
Additional Details (if available)
this species is mostly used for fencing, roofing, pillar construction, and as firewood. Additional ethnobotanical uses include fodder for goats and cattle and medicinal purposes;
What is the main end use for any living organisms, parts or products taken/extracted?
Local people (e.g., individuals, communities, co-operatives)
Is the use part of a strategy to generate conservation incentives, to finance conservation, or to improve tolerance/stewardship?
Unknown/not recorded
Is there evidence that the use is affecting the conservation status of the species? HIDE
Yes – use is negatively affecting the status (e.g., population is declining; extraction effort is increasing)
Is there evidence that the use is affecting natural selection?
Unknown/not recorded
Is there evidence that the use is affecting poaching of illegal wildlife trade?
Unknown/not reported
Is there any evidence that this use of the species is having a knock-on effect on the status of non-target species
Unknown/not recorded
Unknown/not recorded
Details of assessment carried out
it is clear that A. johnsonii is in dire need of formal (legislative) and traditional (tribal) protection if the population is to be managed in a sustainable manner for the preservation of future generations.
Has a valuation of financial flows from this use at the site/national/international level been recorded
Mokou BM, Jordaan JJ, Mafeo TP, et al. (2017) Impact of Ethnobotanical Utilization on the Population Structure of Androstachys Johnsonii Prain. in the Vhembe Area of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Insights For Res 1(1):50-56.
The negative response of trees through defoliated crowns is an indication of unfavourable conditions for their growth and development.
Threats/pressures impacting the species at the scale of this record