The aim of this study was to explore the contributing factors to the extinction of indigenous plants in South Africa. This was due to the evident depletion and loss of indigenous plants in most rural areas in South Africa. This study adopted qualitative research approach with exploratory design. Seminal studies on this subject were purposely collected using keywords extracted from the research topic. Again, Textual Content Analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The results of this study, confirms that indigenous plants are threatened by the human-induced and natural factors. The most notable human factors are the methods of procuring the plant materials, whereas the natural factors are mainly erratic rainfall and rising temperature patterns This study recommends urgent conservation measures such as proper harvesting methods and documentation of indigenous knowledge to mention the least, should be introduced and those that already exist should be properly used in order to prevent the loss of indigenous plants. Advance initiatives are needed to inform policy on adaptation and coping with the factors that contribute to the extinction of indigenous plants.
The aim of this study explore the selected effects of illegal occupation and theft of medicinal plants, focusing on Limpopo Province rural areas. Notably, these plants can be used for primary health care and food purposes, amongst others. This stemmed from the associated selective effects imposed on availability of these plants by illegal occupation in the ‘traditional herbal medicine’ and related theft by local people. As a result, the depletion of these plants is negatively witnessed due to illegal occupation and theft. From a qualitative standpoint, this study used the non-empirical research design: Systematic review. Keywords were used to obtain relevant information on this subject, using non-probability: Purposefully sampling. The analysed grey literature and primary research studies from peer-reviewed and published databases were restricted to 1987-2021 [Not in order of sequence nor importance], while exercising the exclusion and inclusion criteria throughout this process. The collected data was analysed using the inductive Textual Content Analysis (TCA) method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) were employed to ensure trustworthiness of the findings of this study. The results of this study reveals that illegal occupation in the traditional herbal medicine market and theft of medicinal plants drastically affect their availability, as some of the local illegal traders seem to be lacking adequate conservation methods to minimise unfortunate current depletions. Notable studies on illegal occupation and theft of these plants strongly indicates that their trading can endanger these plants, leading to extinctions. For recommendations, this study can be used as a framework to educate relevant stakeholders and to create awareness on the associated effects of illegal occupation and theft of medicinal plants. In addition, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) deterrent strategies should be urgently applied when necessary.
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