NEWS
into the African subtropics and tropics . Threats to thicket : Losses continue
Like many of South Africa ’ s highly biodiverse ecosystems , thicket faces a range of different threats . In fact , around 70 % of thicket has been transformed or removed . Threats include crop cultivation , livestock grazing and urban development .
Much of the thicket that remains intact and in good condition is conserved within national parks , including Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape .
Figure 5 . Mountain Cabbage Tree ( Cussonia paniculata ) commonly occurs in temperate forms of Thicket found along mountain ranges of the Great Escarpment . Photo by Adriaan Grobler .
However , there is concern among conservationists regarding the thicket outside of the protected area estate , with more work needed to protect this biome .
At the same time , more research is needed to better understand thicket . Several of our BotSoc Algoa Branch members are now involved with thicket research , which will also assist in conserving the thicket biome .
The Botanical Society of South Africa is committed to the strategic conservation of South Africa ’ s extraordinary flora and biodiversity . Learn more about our work on our website and by following our social media channels .
Further reading
Cowling , R . M . Pierce , S . ( 2009 ) East of the Cape : Conserving Eden , Fernwood Press , Simonstown , South Africa .
Figure 6 . Valley Thicket occurring in a single landscape with three other biomes – fynbos , forest and grassland – in the Zuurberg Mountains north of Kirkwood . Photo by Adriaan Grobler .
Mucina , L . Rutherford , M . C . ( 2006 ) The Vegetation of South Africa , Lesotho , and Swaziland , Strelizia 19 , South African National Biodiversity Institute , Pretoria , South Africa .
Figure 7 . Arid Thicket with spekboom ( Portulacaria afa ) dominant on upper slopes and soetnoors ( Euphorbia radyeri ) dominant in lowlands . Photo by Adriaan Grobler .
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