Journal of Biological Sciences1727-30481812-5719Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jbs.2019.237.247Euphorbia groenewaldii: Its Populations, Threats and Conservation in Limpopo Province, South Africa]]>RasetheMarula Triumph SemenyaSebua Silas 32019193Background 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.]]>Haffner, S.,2017Euphorbia groenewaldii.]]>2017Van Tonder, R.C.,2012Euphorbia groenewaldii: An endangered succulent of the Limpopo province.]]>2012Hoveka, L.,2016Euphorbia groenewaldii R.A.Dyer.]]>2016Von Staden, L.,2008Euphorbia groenewaldii R.A. Dyer.]]>2008SANBI.,20172017Raal, P.A.,1986Euphorbia groenewaldii.]]>1986Brechin, S.R., P.R. Wilshusen, C.L. Fortwangler and P.C. West,2002154164Fabricius, C., E. Koch, S. Turner and H. Magome,2004Pages: 288Pages: 288Magoro, M.D.,20082008Rasethe, M.T., S.S. Semenya, M.J. Potgieter and A. Maroyi,20132013Statistics South Africa,20112011De Vos, A.S.,20052005Mucina, L. and M.C. Rutherford,2006Pages: 807Pages: 807Polokwane Municipality,20102010Prugl, E.,1999Pages: 231Pages: 231Shackleton, C.M., S.E. Shackleton, E. Buiten and N. Bird,20079558577Snyman, S.L.,201220395416Dyer, R.A.,1938Euphorbia groenewaldii R.A. Dyer.]]>18714714Berlin, B.,19734259271Hunn, E.,19991999pp: 47-69pp: 47-69Dangol, D.R.,20031224Rankoana, S., M.J. Potgieter and S.N.C. Mokgoatsana,201615348359Bennett, N.J. and P. Dearden,201444107116Boon, R., J. Cockburn, E. Douwes, N. Govender and L. Ground et al.,20162016Nzue, A.P.M.M.,20092009Keeley, J.E., D. Lubin and C.J. Fotheringham,20031313551374Anderson, P.M.L. and M.T. Hoffman,200770686700Thomas, P.A. and P. Goodson,19926091100Parmesan, C.,200637637669Knowles, L. and E.T.F. Witkowski,2000Euphorbia barnardii, a serpentine endemic of the Northern province, South Africa.]]>25241252Pysek, P., D.M Richardson, M. Rajmanek, G.L. Webster, M. Williamson and J. Kirschner,200453131143Ali, S.M., A. Pervaiz, B. Afzal, N. Hamid and A. Yasmin,2014265965Raimondo, D.C. and J.S. Donaldson,2003111345358Nyirenda, V.R. and C. Chomba,20124163172Vincenot, C.E., A.M. Collazo, K. Wallmo and L. Koyama,20153526540