Abstract

C. P. Laubscher and P. A. Ndakidemi

Large parts of the Agulhas Plain (AP) contribute to the commercial export cut flower industry of South Africa while
many threatened and endemic species are destroyed by local authorities and cut flower harvesters. The Western
Cape is the largest area where threatened Red Data species are not at all known and the illegal harvesting of these
species continues. Leucadendron platyspermum was the most harvested of the surveyed species with the biggest
harvests mainly reported from orchard plantations. Agriculture was perceived to be the lowest threat to the
environment, compared to alien invasive species which was reported to be the biggest threat. Fire was seen as the
most important factor to enhance the re-growth of species in nature. Permit possession of farmers were high,
however the misuse of permits and the lack of authorities visiting farms was evident. The ecotourism potential of the
Agulhas Plain remains undeveloped, although respondents reacted positively to conservation and the promotion of
ecotourism on the Agulhas Plain. Training in the conservation of Red Data species remains low as a lack of
information on Red Data species exists. A big concern is that very few Red Data species are propagated to increase
the awareness of these species.