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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2019 | Volume: 19 | Issue: 3 | Page No.: 237-247
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Authors

Marula Triumph Rasethe

Sebua Silas Semenya

Sebua Silas Semenya

Keywords

Research Article

Community’s Knowledge on Euphorbia groenewaldii: Its Populations, Threats and Conservation in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Marula Triumph Rasethe and Sebua Silas Semenya Sebua Silas Semenya's LiveDNA
Background and Objective: Euphorbia groenewaldii R.A. Dyer is a Red Data Listed South African plant with a Critically Endangered status. It has a very limited natural distribution with only six known populations, one found on unprotected hills around Dalmada and the rest (n = 5) in Kalkfontein, Masele, Mokgotho, Ngwana-Laka and Ronsma areas of Ga-Mothiba village in the Limpopo Province (South Africa). The current study ascertained community’s knowledge on E. groenewaldii in this village focusing on the populations, threatening factors and community’s conservation ideas. Materials and Methods: Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and field observations. Results: It was found that all (100%, n = 50) probed participants recognize at least a single population, although none of them were aware of the species conservation status. Despite this, an overwhelming majority (78%, n = 39) of them showed interest in the conservation of the species. Respondents’ knowledge of threats varied slightly from one population to another, with no threats reported for Ronsma population. Overall, rainfall scarcity/drought and lack of knowledge regarding the conservation status of the species were common threats perceived by most participants as affecting the remaining four E. groenewaldii populations. Threatening factors observed by researchers across all the 5 explored populations were trampling (by both human-beings and livestock) and invasive alien plants. The most salient and pivotal conservation initiatives recommended by most participants for the survival of E. groenewaldii were awareness regarding the species’ conservation status (96%, n = 48) and remunerated field patrol by local community members (90%, n = 45). Conclusion: For successful conservation of explored E. groenewaldii populations, local nature conservators must take in to consideration all the conservation strategies recommended by participants during the drafting of the species management plan. Generally, to ensure long-term survival of the investigated plant populations, there is an urgent need to formally protect its habitat and secure all unoccupied areas to allow future expansion.
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