Carex acocksii

The main threats for Carex acocksii are overgrazing by livestock and habitat loss due to global warming. Previous studies have noted the impacts of heavy grazing sheep (Victor 2002, Archer and Victor 2006, Raimondo et al. 2009, Márquez-Corro et al. 2020), and linked the almost exclusive presence of C. acocksii individuals under shrubs to the high herbivore pressure. Moreover, as climate change predictions are for increasingly hot and dry conditions in the region, the habitat in which C. acocksii dwells is at enormous risk (Clark et al. 2011a). This will likely lead to a scenario of habitat deterioration and range shrinkage, as the species already occurs at or close to the highest points in the landscape. Extent of occurrence, area of occupancy and the number of locations/subpopulations and mature individuals are all expected to decline.

Carex acocksii is not legally protected at the national level and there are no conservation plans for this species. The species was assessed as Vulnerable (D2) for the Red List of South African Plants (Archer and Victor 2006). The inclusion of this species in national and global red lists is warranted, if only to raise awareness. The species should be searched within suitable habitat within the Tankwa Karoo National Park, large areas of which (much of it difficult to access) lie between the two known subpopulations. The species constitutes a rare, ancient lineage within Carex sect. Schoenoxiphium that has resulted in unique morphological and ecological features, and population monitoring programs should be initiated.