The impacts of bark harvesting on a population of Encephalartos transvenosus (Limpopo cycad), in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Cycads are the most threatened group of plants in the world and there are a wide range of ecological and anthropological forces responsible for the extinction risk of these taxa. South Africa is a global hotspot of cycad diversity and the country’s cycads are facing high extinction risk. In this stu...
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| Autores principales: | , |
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| Formato: | article |
| Lenguaje: | EN |
| Publicado: |
MBI & UNS Solo
2019
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doaj.org/article/5b0dda6eef784a3eb4c9a183b5057243 |
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| Sumario: | Cycads are the most threatened group of plants in the world and there are a wide range of ecological and anthropological forces responsible for the extinction risk of these taxa. South Africa is a global hotspot of cycad diversity and the country’s cycads are facing high extinction risk. In this study we sampled a population (n=34) of Encephalartos transvenosus Stapf & Burtt Davy, a cycad species endemic to Limpopo Province, South Africa. The population was located on the Soutpansberg mountain range in the Mutale local municipality. A survey was conducted to quantify the threats to the population. Forty-seven percent of the plants had been damaged by bark harvesting for traditional medicine, and the population showed a mortality rate of 9%. We recommend further studies at a range of Encephalartos transvenosus populations to provide a broader understanding of impacts of harvesting and population trends. We also recommend community based initiatives to enhance the protection of this species in the communities in which they are found. |
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