Mr Luc Strydom
Mr Luc Strydom
Principal Ecologist
Branch

Critically endangered Selago polycephala recorded in Nelson Mandela Bay area

Critically endangered (previously considered extinct) and rare localized endemic plant species; recorded for the first time since 1967 while conducting a monitoring survey within the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

Selago polycephala is a cryptic, rare localized endemic species of the Scrophulariaceae family of plants. It is listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) and has not been recorded since 1967 and was presumed extinct until a recently when a population was recorded by CES botanist, Luc Strydom, while conducting a monitoring survey within the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Records of this nature are extremely valuable, and contribute to further understanding the sensitivity of our local biodiversity as well as strengthening the set of biodiversity data available for development planning.

Photos courtesy: CES botanist and Principal Ecologist, Luc Strydom