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Natural resources

Biodiversity Crime on the Rise in South Africa's Western Cape

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Western Cape in South Africa is facing a growing threat to its unique ecosystems and natural resources due to biodiversity crime, including the illegal plant trade and poaching. According to CapeNature, the illegal trade in the region's flora and fauna is a major concern, with 12 cases registered between April and June 2025, eight of which involved flora and four involving fauna. The organization also issued 23 fines during this period, with 15 of them related to wildlife offenses. The Western Cape is home to the Cape Floristic Region, one of the world's six floral kingdoms and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but nearly 16% of its species and over 50% of its ecosystems are considered threatened.

Key Takeaways:

  • Between April and June 2025, CapeNature officials registered 12 cases of biodiversity crime, with eight involving flora and four involving fauna.
  • The illegal plant trade in the Western Cape is linked to poaching and picking of wildflowers in protected areas without a permit.
  • CapeNature issued 23 fines during the same period, with 15 of them related to wildlife offenses, including four contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act and 19 contraventions of the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
  • Nearly 16% of the Western Cape's species and over 50% of its ecosystems are considered threatened due to illegal activity.
  • The region is home to the Cape Floristic Region, one of the world's six floral kingdoms and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • CapeNature's compliance and enforcement approach involves multi-agency collaboration with units of the SAPS, such as the Hawks and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Units, and other partnerships across law enforcement and prosecuting authorities.
  • Enforcement is part of a broader strategy to disrupt biodiversity crime while supporting sustainable development and conservation-based livelihoods across the province.

Statistics:

  • 12 cases of biodiversity crime registered between April and June 2025 (CapeNature)
  • 8 cases involving flora and 4 cases involving fauna between April and June 2025 (CapeNature)
  • 23 fines issued during the same period, with 15 related to wildlife offenses (CapeNature)
  • 4 contraventions of the Marine Living Resources Act and 19 contraventions of the Nature Conservation Ordinance (CapeNature)
  • Nearly 16% of species in the Western Cape are considered threatened due to illegal activity (CapeNature)
  • Over 50% of ecosystems in the Western Cape are considered threatened due to illegal activity (CapeNature)

Sources:

  • Petro van Rhyn, General Manager for Advocacy at CapeNature
  • Anton Bredell, Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC
  • CapeNature press release, April 2025
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cape Floristic Region
  • Marine Living Resources Act and Nature Conservation Ordinance

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