A surge in illegal succulent plant poaching in South Africa’s remote Namaqualand region has intensified concerns over the preservation of its unique biodiversity. Criminal syndicates are capitalizing on rising global demand for rare plants, undermining local ecosystems and exacerbating economic challenges for communities already struggling with poverty.
Succulent plants, known for their ability to thrive in arid climates, are increasingly targeted by poachers due to their popularity among collectors. Many of these plants, particularly from the Succulent Karoo desert, are found only in South Africa and Namibia, with some species so localized that even minimal poaching could result in their extinction. Experts warn that several plant species have already been wiped out, and many more are on the brink of disappearing.
The Succulent Karoo, one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, is home to around 3,500 plant species, many of which are succulents. These plants range in size, shape, and color, some appearing as small, multi-colored buttons, while others resemble cacti, with vibrant flowers blooming seasonally. Their unique appearance and ability to adapt to dry conditions have made them highly sought after by collectors and traders worldwide.
Recent figures from conservation groups such as Traffic show that between 2019 and 2024, over 1.6 million illegally harvested succulents were seized by South African authorities. However, the true scale of the illicit trade remains unknown, as most poached plants are successfully smuggled out of the country. The market for wild succulents, particularly in the United States, Europe, and East Asia, continues to grow, driving poachers to risk the devastation of South Africa’s fragile ecosystems. These plants, once removed from the wild, are often sold online at exorbitant prices, sometimes fetching hundreds of dollars each.
The poaching crisis, which has accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic, is not only an environmental issue but also a social one. During the pandemic, global travel restrictions prompted international buyers to turn to local South African poachers to collect plants, sending them overseas by mail. Pieter van Wyk, a curator at the /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, notes that this period coincided with a surge in demand for succulents, as people sought to bring nature indoors during lockdowns.
“During the lockdown, people were looking for ways to stay connected to nature,” Van Wyk explained. “Succulents became a symbol of this connection, leading to a spike in global interest.”
Organized crime syndicates have exploited this demand by recruiting local poachers, often promising substantial financial rewards in return for rare plants. These criminal groups provide the poachers with tools like screwdrivers and backpacks, and then sell the stolen plants on social media platforms, making it easier for buyers around the world to purchase them. These online sales further fuel the demand and perpetuate the illegal trade, with little regard for the environmental impact.
“The syndicates market these plants as rare, exotic treasures from Africa, creating a sense of exclusivity,” said Van Wyk. “Once the public becomes aware of these rare species, the desire to own one intensifies, further incentivizing poaching.”
While the financial incentives have lured many locals into poaching, they have also led to significant social consequences. In communities like Kamieskroon, where the poaching is rampant, there have been reports of increased substance abuse, domestic neglect, and a breakdown in community trust. Malinda Gardiner from Conservation South Africa highlights the danger of this social unrest, noting that “when people see the sudden influx of money, it creates rifts in these small communities, leading to distrust and conflict.”
“In these low-income areas, people will take advantage of any opportunity to make money,” she added. “But the aftermath of poaching is not just about environmental harm—it destroys the fabric of the community, too.”
The poaching is not only causing ecological damage but is also leading to social instability. The illegal trade has exacerbated crime and increased substance abuse in the region. Locals, including young men, are drawn into poaching because of the quick financial rewards, which leads to a cycle of addiction and neglect.
“When they get the money, there’s more drugs, more alcohol, children are neglected because mummy is drunk, daddy is drunk, there’s no food,” explained one anonymous livestock farmer who has witnessed the devastating effects of poaching in her community. “We know when the poaching happens—young men head into the mountains, and we see them returning with backpacks full of stolen plants.”
In response to this escalating crisis, the South African government launched a strategy in 2022 aimed at curbing poaching, which includes raising public awareness about the importance of protecting these species. The government is working with local communities to educate them on the dangers of poaching and the need for sustainable environmental practices. However, conservationists argue that more drastic measures are necessary to curb the growing demand for wild plants.
There is also a global push to reduce demand, particularly in countries like China, where the trade in succulents has been growing rapidly. A recent campaign by the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation has led to an 80% reduction in online advertisements for illegally sourced conophytum succulents, a step toward curbing the global market.
However, experts argue that more must be done to promote sustainable, legal cultivation of succulents in South Africa to meet demand without further harming wild populations. Van Wyk believes that South Africa should harness its rich natural resources and cultivate succulents for export in a way that benefits local communities and preserves biodiversity.
“We have the resources, and other countries are benefiting from them. Why aren’t we?” he said, urging the country to shift toward a model of legal cultivation and sustainable trade.
To aid in the protection of these plants, Van Wyk runs a nursery that houses over 200,000 confiscated succulents, with hopes of rehabilitating them for future conservation. “Despite the challenges, there is immense joy in caring for these plants,” he says. “They represent resilience, beauty, and hope amid the ongoing crisis.”
The crisis is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between biodiversity conservation and local socio-economic dynamics. As the demand for rare plants continues to rise, protecting South Africa’s unique species will require global cooperation, community engagement, and sustainable practices to ensure these plants are preserved for future generations.