South Africa's succulent plants, including rare species like Conophytum and Lithops, are facing a growing threat from illegal harvesting, with over 1 million plants taken since 2019. This alarming trend is fueled by international demand and online marketplaces, leading to significant ecological and cultural ramifications.
The Succulent Karoo Biome, a biodiversity hotspot spanning 116,000 km², is home to over 6,000 plant species, 40% of which are endemic. These slow-growing succulents, some living for centuries, are now at risk of extinction in the wild due to rampant illegal trade.
Despite South Africa's protective laws, the illegal trade continues to flourish, prompting calls for militarized conservation strategies similar to those used against rhino poaching. However, these approaches have led to human rights abuses and strained relationships with Indigenous communities who rely on these plants for cultural and medicinal purposes.
Experts argue for a socioecological harm reduction approach that recognizes the complexities of the succulent trade. By fostering collaboration between conservationists and local communities, sustainable harvesting practices could be established, allowing for economic benefits while protecting the unique flora of the region.
As the illegal succulent trade continues to rise, it highlights the urgent need for innovative conservation strategies that prioritize both ecological integrity and the livelihoods of local populations.