Poaching of Encephalartos transvenosus, in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

There is an established link between deforestation and negative hydrological effects which may affect watersheds. The number of the cycads Encephalartos transvenosus Stapf & Burtt Davy in South Africa is drastically reducing, and they are nearly extinct. Additionally, poaching and reduction in the population of cycads in reserves may impact negatively on watersheds in protected and buffer areas since the regeneration of this plant occurs over a long period. This research aimed to study the distributions of poached cycads, evaluate the factors responsible for poaching activity and suggest possible solutions towards conservation of E. transvenosus Stapf & Burtt Davy in some of the nature reserves in Limpopo province. Field observation was used to ascertain and collect locations of poached cycads. Data was obtained through the use of a questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to rangers for the collection of data on causes of poaching, parts poached, measures taken and challenges of rangers in the nature reserves. Processing of the collected data was done by simple statistical analysis. The total population of rangers available in the reserves was used for the determination of the sample size of rangers by Slovin’s formula. Unemployment (46%) is the leading cause for poaching in Mphaphuli Nature Reserve, while trade is a leading factor in Modjadji and Lekgalameetse (37% and 60%) respectively. Debarked cycads amount to 14 (54%) while 12 of the total (26 poached cycads) were completely removed (46%). The most effective way of stopping the poaching of cycads as perceived by the rangers is by patrolling the nature reserves. The observed poaching of Encephalartos transvenosus is alarming since this plant has a low population size which is currently confined to the Limpopo Province in South Africa only. If poaching continues in the nature reserves, all cycads have the tendency of being removed. Therefore, there is a need to continually develop strategies for the conservation of cycads. The peculiar nature and challenges of each reserve have been established and unique solutions for these nature reserves in Limpopo Province have been proposed. Better conservation of cycad species can positively impact the hydrological process of the concerned area and better help the watersheds.

Cycad Regulation and Community Creation: South African Stakeholder Perspectives on Conservation

“…The Modjadji Cycad Reserve is home to the largest population of any Encephalartos species. At last count, there were 15,000 adult plants, but the reserve was heavily affected by a fire in 2019 and a more recent plant census has not yet been conducted (Ndou et al 2021). It is relatively small, at 530 hectares, and while it once housed a lodge, a recent fire has limited the facilities, and it is now primarily accessed for hiking or picnics.…”

“…So far, research on the regulatory response has focused primarily on the evolving technology for identifying the origins of cycad plants, making it possible to trace isolated wild populations. This has been done primarily in support of law enforcement efforts toward poaching and illegal sales (Ndou et al 2021; Torgersen 2017; Woodenberg et al 2019). There has been considerably less attention given to the ways in which the policy environment incentivizes different behaviors related to cycad conservation and ownership.…”

An Exploratory Study on Contributing Factors to the Extinction of Indigenous Plants in South Africa

“…Indigenous plants are currently endangered due to poaching (Li and Pritchard, 2009). Medicinal application appears as another leading cause for poaching as drug manufacturing and trade-medical applications also account for a high percentage of poaching in MoNR and LNR (Ndou et al, 2021).…”

“…-Plant Poaching Ndou et al (2021) presented that medicinal application appears as another leading cause for poaching as drug manufacturing and trado-medical applications also account for a high percentage of poaching in MoNR and LNR. Dzerefos and Witkowski (2001) argued that there are other contributing factors to the loss of indigenous plants at the reserves which include medicinal plant and fuel-wood poaching, theft of fences and illegal dumping of building rubble and household waste.…”

A systems framework to analyze the impact of corporate social investment projects with an information technology focus

“…The lack of monitoring and evaluation is regarded as a prime reason behind failed and unsustainable community‐based projects (Ndou, 2012; Siyobi, 2015). For CSI projects to make a meaningful contribution, companies need to monitor and evaluate every aspect of the project as well as assess what impact the project is making in disadvantaged communities, and in society.…”