Previous research suggests that equatorward populations of the iconic arborescent succulent Aloe dichotoma Masson are contracting in response to recent anthropogenic climate change (ACC) in southern Africa. However, previous studies did not account for small-scale spatial heterogeneity, latitudinal climatic disjunctions or when mortality occurred. We reassess A. dichotoma's suitability as an indicator species and comment on pitfalls in the selection of species with similar life history characteristics. Keywords: climate change, climatic discontinuities, demographic patterns, indicator species, range shifts, southern Africa.