A survey of farm-level practices on endangered Leucadendron species and the future influence of ecotourism development on the Agulhas plain

Abstract

Large parts of the Agulhas Plain (AP) contribute to the commercial export cut flower industry of South Africa while many threatened and endemic species are destroyed by local authorities and cut flower harvesters. The Western Cape is the largest area where threatened Red Data species are not at all known and the illegal harvesting of these species continues. Leucadendron platyspermum was the most harvested of the surveyed species with the biggest harvests mainly reported from orchard plantations. Agriculture was perceived to be the lowest threat to the environment, compared to alien invasive species which was reported to be the biggest threat. Fire was seen as the most important factor to enhance the re-growth of species in nature. Permit possession of farmers were high, however the misuse of permits and the lack of authorities visiting farms was evident. The ecotourism potential of the Agulhas Plain remains undeveloped, although respondents reacted positively to conservation and the promotion of ecotourism on the Agulhas Plain. Training in the conservation of Red Data species remains low as a lack of information on Red Data species exists. A big concern is that very few Red Data species are propagated to increase the awareness of these species.