Download Cycads

WHY DEALING ILLEGALLY IN CYCADS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED
A SERIOUS OFFENCE!
Encephalartos species
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The cycad fossil record dates to the early Permian, 280 million years ago.
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The trunks, leaves and cones are often densely covered with stiff, sharp
spines which serves to deter larger herbivores. They also produce an
amazing array of toxic alkaloids which serves to limit insect predation.
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South Africa has been recognised as one of the global hotspots for cycad diversity with 39 species; however
South Africa is also one of the hotspots for threatened cycads with around 26 of South Africa’s cycads
threatened with extinction;
In South Africa the biggest threat facing Encephalartos cycad species is the poaching of plants from wild
populations to supply both the domestic and international cycad trade;
It has been estimated that with the ongoing rate of illegal cycad trade in South Africa around 25 species will
become extinct in the immediate to near future. According to the last IUCN red data listing assessment for
South African cycads: 3 are Extinct in the Wild; 12 Critically Endangered (32%); 4 Endangered (11%);
9 Vulnerable (24%); and 7 Near Threatened (18%).;
Approximately seven cycad species number less than 100 individuals in the wild!
All South African Encephalartos cycad species are protected under the National Environmental Management:
Biodiversity Act (NEMBA Act 10 of 2004) read together with the Threatened or Protected Species Regulations
of 2007 (TOPS); and
When passing sentences consideration should be given to the value of the cycad species in question.
Depending on the rarity, a single adult cycad can easily fetch hundreds of thousands of South African Rands!
Leaves grow directly from the trunk, and
typically fall when older, leaving a crown of
leaves at the top. The leaves grow in a rosette
form, with new foliage emerging from the top
and center of the crown.
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Cycads are seed plants. If the
plants are in reproductive
condition, there is no possibility
of confusing them with palms.
Palms are flowering plants that
bear small, inconspicuous,
wind-pollinated flowers. Cycads
bear large, conspicuous cones.
WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION SAY?
NEMBA defines a number of restricted activities involving Encephalartos
spp. a person or entity conducting any of any of the following restricted
activities requires a TOPS permit, as issued by the provincial
conservation authority.
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Cycads have a cylindrical trunk which usually
does not branch. The trunk may be buried, so
the leaves appear to be emerging from the
ground.
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Gathering, collecting or plucking any Encephalartos cycad species;
Picking parts of, or cutting, chopping off, uprooting, damaging or
destroying, any Encephalartos cycad species;
Importing into the Republic any Encephalartos cycad species;
Exporting from the Republic, including re-exporting from the
Republic any Encephalartos cycad species;
Having in possession or exercising physical control over any
Encephalartos cycad species;
Growing, breeding or in any other way propagating any
Encephalartos cycad species, or causing it to multiply;
Conveying, moving or otherwise translocating any Encephalartos
cycad species;
Selling or otherwise trading in, buying, receiving, giving, donating or
accepting as a gift, or in any way acquiring or disposing of any
Encephalartos cycad species; or
Any other prescribed activity which involves an Encephalartos cycad
species.
To find out more about the South African Cycad Species Protection Project and the
enforcement training programme, please contact:
Adam - [email protected] or +27 11 372 3600