Conservationists warn against illegal trade of endangered cycad plant

The cycad plant, often called a living fossil, dates back to the time of the dinosaurs, and today, it’s among the most endangered species on earth.

There are around 300 species worldwide, with South Africa home to about 30 varieties, including the bread palm.

The plants are protected under South African law, but conservationists warn that illegal trade and habitat loss continue to threaten their survival.

Deputy chair for the Cycads Society of South Africa in the Western Cape, Ferdie Endemann, says the society helps facilitate permits for legal ownership.

“In the 60s and 70s, or probably even earlier, cycads were starting to become endangered because not just of plants being poached out of the wild, but also habitat being modified for farming practices and so forth,” Endemann said.

He says wild cycads are still being exported illegally to parts of Europe, North America and the Far East.

“Some of the cycad species are being used for traditional medical purposes. They're also being used in the African medicinal trade.”  He added.