Assessment and Management of Red List and Endemic Plant Species, Namibia

Using markers helps the scientists to quicklyfind the lithops which are very well camoflaged

Adenia pechuelii or 'elephants foot' is an endemic species found on the Rössing concession

Map showing predicted areas of suitaable habitat for Lithops ruschiorum in Namibia

Twenty-four species of conservation concern and/or endemic to Namibia have been identified as priority species from within and around the Rössing Uranium mine concession area. This list includes Adenia pechuelii and Lithops ruschiorum; both are endemic to Namibia and, given their desirability to succulent collectors, are a conservation priority.

As part of this project the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) in Namibia, with assistance from Kew's GIS unit, is currently undertaking a national assessment of Adenia pechuelii and Lithops ruschiorum. This will enable NBRI to calculate the proportion of the population, of each species, found on the Rössing concession and make management recommendations. Increasing the knowledge of the distribution and conservation status of these species on a national level is a priority for their future management.

NBRI, with assistance from Kew's Millennium Seed Bank project, is also working closely with staff from Rössing Uranium mine on seed conservation activities for the twenty-four threatened and endemic plants. This will facilitate future restoration work (post mine closure), and provide a long term insurance strategy for these species.

Banking seed from threatened plant species is an ex situ method forming part of an effective strategy to ensure long term conservation of species. Seed collections will ensure that, even if species are lost in the wild, the plants will always be available as a source of material, of high quality and genetic diversity - this may be critical for species recovery and rehabilitation in the future. 

This project will enable Rössing to make a valuable contribution to the conservation and management of threatened and endemic Namibian plant species, both inside and outside the Rössing concession area.