Scleria cheekii

Current threats to the species are unknown. However, too much trampling by cattle may cause damage to these small annual Scleria plants by dislodging them from the basalt substrate (Cheek et al. 2000; included under the name Scleria interrupta Rich.). Conversely, lack of grazing or of intermittent grassland fires might permit the build-up of enough soil to allow a Sporobolus-based community (Poaceae) to encroach upon the basalt pavement and smother or compete with the Scleria species (Cheek et al. 2000).

Cheek et al. (2000), suggested the following management:

1. A survey of basalt pavement should be made in the Kilum-Ijim area. When areas are located, these species should be searched for and vouchered if found. A rough estimate of the area of occupancy and total number of plants should be made. This will allow a more complete mapping of the species and a more comprehensive understanding of their population size.
   
   
2. Considerations should be given to using experimental means to examine the effects of the possible threats mentioned above. Several square metres of one population could be fenced off and protected from fire and grazing. The effects of these could be monitored on an annual basis. Another area could be subjected to cattle or horse trampling to look at its effect on the soil hosting these species. The results of this experimentation could then be used to guide the management of the habitat of these species.