Distribution trends are reviewed among 1808 plant species known to be in the IUCN Red Data Book categories and which occur in the fynbos and karoo biomes of the Cape Province, South Africa. The field-search and taxanomic limitations of the data are noted. Aspects of extinction biology are considered in relation to natural and human-caused factors which increase rarity. The genetic biogeography of the isolation of the plant populations in the region is discussed as a guide to future research. The priority ranking of species for conservation treatments is critically examined and a method for its evaluation is proposed.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.