The occurrence and conservation status of Ceratogyrus bechuanicus and C. brachycephalus in the Transvaal, South Africa.

Abstract

In South Africa, Ceratogyrus is presently protected by the Transvaal Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance. Owing to the demand for these spiders as pets they are classified as Commercially Threatened in terms of the ILJCN system. It was found, however, that the two known species in the Transvaal are well represented in protected areas which include nature reserves and national parks. Ceratogyrus bechuanicus is well represented in the Kruger National Park, Messina, D'nyala and Atherstone provincial nature reserves, as well as in the Klaserie and Sabi Sand private nature reserves in the Transvaal. The only conservation area in which C. brachycephalus has been located is the Messina Provincial Nature Reserve. With its much smaller distribution, C. brachycephalus has a higher conservation priority than C. bechuanicus. Applied ecological work needs to be done so that comprehensive species conservation plans for both species can be compiled.