Harnessing local ecological knowledge to identify priority plant species for restoration of the Albany Thicket, South Africa

Abstract

The Albany Thicket Biome is an important biodiversity hotspot and also plays a key role in supporting local livelihoods. Local people's significant dependence on thicket ecosystems may contribute to their degradation, prompting the need for restoration. This paper reports on a study to determine how local knowledge can contribute to thicket restoration approaches undertaken in Pikoli village. Data relating to the use and importance of 37 plant species found within village communal lands were collected using a modified informant consensus method; a quantitative ethnobotanical approach. A total of 50 community members across different gender and age user groups were interviewed. There was a significant difference between user groups in terms of what were regarded as priority plant species. Species found to be particularly important included Aloe ferox, Ptaeroxylon obliquum and Acacia karroo. A. ferox was rated as the most important species overall. Eight use categories for species were identified, the most prominent being ‘livestock feed’, ‘medicine’ and ‘cultural’. Species that were perceived as most important were almost unanimously also those of significance to livestock. The implications of the findings for thicket restoration in degraded communal areas with high use pressures are discussed.