Alpha-particle optical potential proofs at astrophysically relevant energies

$(\alpha,\gamma)$ and $(\alpha$,n) reaction cross sections recently measured close to the reaction thresholds are rather well described by a previously developed regional optical potential. Thus, particular features of the $\alpha$-particle optical potential at energies below the Coulomb barrier, besides parameters describing $\alpha$-particle elastic scattering at higher energies are confirmed. Additional limitations of similar statistical model calculations for minor reaction channels are shown to be most likely due to an overlooked process or critical values of statistical model parameters around closed nuclear shells.