Surge in Illegal Succulent Trade Threatens South Africa’s Biodiversity

A remote region in South Africa is witnessing a dramatic rise in illegal trade of succulent plants, driven by organized crime syndicates and high international demand. Conservationists warn that this poaching threatens local ecosystems and community integrity, while initiatives are being launched to combat the crisis.

In South Africa's Namaqualand region, a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its unique succulent plants, a disturbing trend has emerged: the illegal harvesting and trade of these protected species is rapidly increasing. Reports indicate that organized crime groups are capitalizing on global demand, leading to a social and ecological crisis in these rural communities.

Succulents, known for their ability to retain water in arid conditions, come in various shapes and colors, many of which are native to the Succulent Karoo desert that spans South Africa and Namibia. While there is potential for these plants to be cultivated sustainably in nurseries, illicit trafficking remains rampant. The poached plants are often smuggled and sold on online platforms to buyers in North America, Europe, and East Asia.

The small town of Kamieskroon has become a hotspot for poachers, with local farmers expressing outrage over the rampant theft of their natural heritage. According to Pieter van Wyk, a nursery curator, poaching has intensified since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when international restrictions compelled traders to hire local individuals for collecting succulents.

“The pandemic made it easy for syndicates to exploit local communities,” van Wyk explains, noting a surge in demand coinciding with increased online engagement during lockdowns. Organized crime networks began marketing these rare plants through social media, creating a rapid growth in illegal operations.

The poaching has dire consequences for local ecosystems; van Wyk warns that at least seven species are confirmed extinct due to overexploitation, with many more at risk. Between 2019 and 2024, South African law enforcement seized approximately 1.6 million illegally harvested succulents, although this figure represents just the detected contraband.

Despite government awareness and the implementation of protective strategies in 2022, the crisis persists. Community members are often driven to poaching due to severe economic limitations, which further exacerbates the issue. Malinda Gardiner from Conservation South Africa highlights the disruptive social impacts, stating that money from poached plants leads to increases in substance abuse and family neglect.

As the demand for wild succulents grows, awareness campaigns have been initiated to educate consumers on the importance of sourcing sustainably. Notably, China, a major market for these plants, has seen a significant reduction in online advertisements for illegally sourced succulents due to recent educational initiatives.

Conservationists advise buyers worldwide to prioritize ethical sourcing and to avoid purchasing plants advertised as wild. Efforts are underway, including a collaboration between Traffic and Kew Gardens, to curb the online sale of these vulnerable species.

Mr. van Wyk emphasizes the importance of promoting legal cultivation methods and leveraging the region’s natural resources responsibly. He runs a nursery dedicated to nurturing confiscated plants, advocating for a return to sustainable practices rather than reliance on poaching.

As South Africa grapples with this pressing issue, the community’s heritage and biodiversity remain at stake, highlighting the need for vigilance and collective action in preserving these “super-strange looking” treasures of nature.