A SUCCULENT TRADE

• The illegal trade of succulent plants has emerged post-COVID-19 as a significant environmental and conservation concern. 
• The allure of rare and exotic succulents, often driven by social media trends and climate-wise gardening movements, has placed immense pressure on wild populations, leading to their unsustainable harvest and, in many cases, extinction.
• South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot and home to the Succulent Karoo Biome, which hosts some of the most unique succulent plant species on the planet, many of which occur in only one place.
• Financial reasons were cited as the biggest motivator for participating in the illegal succulent trade. Many succulents are easily accessible; collection trips can occur quickly and are very profitable.

As someone deeply committed to conserving our global flora, I believe raising awareness is crucial to addressing this crisis. The insights provided in this report are not only timely but essential. They serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders across the supply chain, including policymakers, the horticulture industry, conservationists, and consumers. " 

Dr Carly Cowell Director of Conservation Policy and Practice, Botanic Gardens Conservation International and Chair of the IUCN SSC Succulent Plant Illegal Trade Task Force

Reccomendations: 

• Campaigns should be run to raise public awareness of the ecological consequences of these biodiversity crimes, especially for local communities and youth.
• Research should focus on better understanding the demand for these plants, so further insight is needed into consumers and destinations. A better understanding of the roles of other African countries in facilitating the illegal trade in South Africa’s succulents is also needed.