Twenty-nine trees considered rare or facing over-exploitation have been added to a national list of protected species, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry said on Tuesday.
This followed a three-year review of the old list, in place since 1976.
The new list was published in the Government Gazette late last month.
”The new list of protected tree species heralds a milestone in the history of tree protection in this country.
”It is the first comprehensive national list of protected trees to be developed through the application of objective scientific criteria, supported by a computerised scoring system,” the department said.
The process of drawing up the new list included obtaining input from stakeholders, interest groups and the public.
Forestry scientist Izak van der Merwe said new additions include the pepperbark tree, a rare forest species used for medicinal purposes, and various mangrove species found in threatened forest habitats.
The mangrove is often used for construction poles.
Another new listed species is the coastal red milkwood, under threat from residential development along the coast.
The camel thorn remains on the list despite its current abundance because of its widespread use for commercial firewood, Van der Merwe said.
Also retained on the list is the marula tree, widely used to produce beauty products and a well-known brand of liqueur. The Tsonga people celebrate the Feast of the First Fruits by pouring an offering of fresh marula juice over the graves of chiefs.
The new list excludes the so-called arborescent (tree-like) species such as aloes, tree ferns and cycads. These protected species were previously on the national list, but are all covered under provincial lists or other forestry legislation.
The department said some of South Africa’s 1 700 indigenous tree and shrub species are threatened because of rarity and the pressures of commercial and subsistence use.
”The main aim of the new list is to contribute towards the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, which has become a high priority following South Africa’s ratification of the Convention on the Protection of Biological Diversity.”
Tree species listed as protected may not be cut, disturbed or damaged and their products transported or sold without a licence.
”Listing certain species as protected is not primarily aimed at preventing the use of a tree species, but to ensure sustainable use through licensing control measures,” the department said.
A panel of experts assisted the department in selecting the species to be listed.
Criteria included the rarity of a species, its importance in the maintenance of an ecosystem, utilisation pressures and the cultural or spiritual value of a species.
The department has set up a task team to prepare national policy and guidelines for the management of protected trees. — Sapa