Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africa’s arid areas have been under intense pressure from plant poachers with an exponential increase in the illegal harvesting of its unique plant species.

Initially, the most targeted species were dwarf succulents called Conophytums. As a result of this upsurge in illegal harvesting most Conophytum species now fall into the ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’ categories of threat.

Now there are fresh concerns about South Africa’s floral heritage, as the criminal syndicates behind the illegal trade in plants shift their attention to other species destined for international markets.

A case in point has been the targeting of Clivia mirabilis, a kind of lily which is found in a very small area on the border of the Western and Northern Cape provinces.

This species was first described in 2002 and its name (mirabilis for ‘miracle’) comes from the fact it occurs in a most unlikely location. Whereas most clivias are forest dwelling and thrive in moist environments, Clivia mirabilis survives in harsh, dry conditions. As with all clivias, they are very slow growing and take years before they flower.

According to David Garriock, chairman of the Clivia Society, the chances of these plants surviving outside of their natural habitat are incredibly slim as they are uniquely adapted to their environment. He surmises that the rise in demand is because enthusiasts are keen to cross breed with them.

CapeNature confirmed that the first indication of interest in the illegal trade in Clivia mirabilis emerged in October 2023 when 18 plants were confiscated in Belhar, Cape Town, along with succulents.

A breakthrough came in December 2023, when 16 people were seen with feedbags later found to be stuffed with clivias. Only four were caught. Nevertheless, the authorities seized all the bags containing close to a thousand plants. Those who were arrested revealed that it was their third incursion into the habitat where these clivias are found.

Since then, there have been some 50 known incidents, leading to 47 arrests, many of whom were foreign nationals. Over 4000 Clivia mirabilis plants have been confiscated, a serious concern given the limited distribution of this uniquely adapted species.   

The Clivia Society are in discussions with the South African National Botanical Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to find ways to assist in maintaining the growing number of confiscated plants, providing surveillance equipment, as well as conserving what remains of the wild population in order to save this species from extinction in the wild.

They believe that new strategies may need to be looked at – such as the sale of pollen or seeds to clivia enthusiasts – to take pressure off the wild population. In the meantime, a few society members are helping to keep the confiscated plants alive and are providing growing medium and fertiliser. Returning these plants to their original habitat is not an option while the threat is ongoing.

The fact that this clivia occurs on a provincial border has complicated law enforcement due to differing provincial regulations. Landowners in areas targeted by plant poachers are also impacted by groups illegally crossing their properties, as well as removing plants. This is an additional burden to the safety and security of landowners and farm workers.

The Northern Cape’s Department of Agriculture, Environment Affairs, Rural Development & Land Reform (DAERL), CapeNature and the Clivia Society have been working together with landowners and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to try and combat the poaching of the wild population.

To date, some 650 different plant species having been confiscated by South African law enforcement officials. In the illegal trade, scarcity, unique shape and size and growing international demand are driving factors.

The fact that illegally harvested plants are now targeted by crime syndicates makes the issue that much more alarming. A significant number of plants are harvested on orders received from middlemen within the syndicates which deal in these plants.

The illegal trade is well organised and targets local community members who are enticed to go out and dig up plants. Small rural communities are impacted when arrests occur, but the real criminals carefully keep themselves out of reach from the arm of the law.

Combating the illegal harvesting and trade in succulents and other collectable plants is one of the major biodiversity conservation challenges facing South Africa. SANBI with partners such as WWF South Africa has been working together to harness resources to address the problem.

WWF made funding available to support SANBI with capacity for the implementation (including co-ordination) of a National Response Strategy and Action Plan to Address the Illegal Trade in South African Succulent Flora. This plan was approved by national government in 2022.

Among the challenges in giving effect to the strategic plan are a lack of funding and capacity but national and provincial government, together with partner organisations, are working hard to overcome these hurdles. A team effort by conservation departments, the police, NGOs, landowners and local communities is ultimately the first line of defence in trying to protect the Succulent Karoo’s globally recognised biodiversity.

The ultimate objective is the long-term survival of South Africa’s rich succulent flora whilst promoting sustainable socio-economic development within the country.

What to do if you come across plant poaching

If you notice any suspicious activity, please contact the nearest SAPS Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit. You can also bring this to the attention of the relevant conservation authority. In the Western Cape the conservation agency is CapeNature. In the Northern Cape it’s the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform.

Members of the public can also report any suspicious activities around wildlife to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s environmental crime hotline which is 0800 205 005 or the SAPS hotline 10111.