In brief
An alarming rise in the illegal harvesting of succulents in South Africa threatens ecological diversity and local communities, as organized crime syndicates exploit overseas demand and poverty in rural areas.
In a remote part of South Africa, a biodiversity hotspot is grappling with a burgeoning illegal trade in its unique succulent plants, largely fueled by organized crime groups capitalizing on rising overseas demand. “They've not just stolen our land or our plants, they've stolen our heritage as well,” laments a local livestock farmer, highlighting the social and ecological challenges posed by rampant poaching.Succulents, known for their water retention and resilience in arid climates, are particularly vulnerable. The Succulent Karoo desert region, shared between South Africa and Namibia, hosts many endemic species, some of which have already faced extinction due to relentless illegal harvesting. Pieter van Wyk, a nursery curator at the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, warns that seven species have been completely wiped out, with more on the brink of extinction.Although accurate figures on poaching are scarce, the organization Traffic reports that South African authorities seized approximately 1.6 million illegally harvested succulents between 2019 and 2024—likely a fraction of the total illicit activity. The government is aware of the escalating crisis and launched a strategy in 2022 aimed at combating poaching, including community awareness programs emphasizing environmental protection.Van Wyk notes a significant increase in poaching since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as local individuals were enlisted to collect succulents for international traders who could no longer visit. “People had more time to try to find something to keep busy with,” he explains. This surge in demand and organized crime has destabilized local communities, leading to moral dilemmas as poverty drives individuals to exploit the situation for income. Families suffer as the influx of cash from poaching translates into increased substance use and neglect, as shared by Malinda Gardiner from Conservation South Africa. “When they get the money, there’s more drugs, more alcohol," she states, warning of the long-term effects on community trust and bonds.Organizations, including the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, are taking steps to address illegal trades, with campaigns that have reportedly reduced online advertisements for wild succulents by 80%. Conservationists urge consumers to inquire about a plant's origin and avoid purchasing any sourced from the wild. Additionally, initiatives are underway to collaborate with e-commerce platforms like eBay to hinder the sale of illegally obtained succulents.In the face of this crisis, Van Wyk advocates for the cultivation of legal succulent varieties to meet demand and preserve South Africa's unique flora for future generations. As he manages a nursery that rehabilitates confiscated plants, he remains hopeful that education and awareness can turn the tide in protecting these unique treasures from the threats of extinction.
