Endangered Wildlife Trust in Modderfontein aims to protect medicinal trees

Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) based in Modderfontein announced a new project it is embarking on to save nature’s life-givers, trees.

The project is another first for EWT.

The pepper bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) is listed as endangered, both globally and nationally, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN ) Red List.

Dr Ian Little, EWT senior manager of Habitats, said the project promises to conserve the endangered pepper bark tree.

“It will allow us to work hand in hand with the community.

“What’s more, the proclamation of additional land and restoring of habitats where pepper barks are found will also protect tree, shrub, reptile and bird species in the Soutpansberg.

“The area is a priority water catchment and critical biodiversity area, and endemic species hotspot,” said the manager.

There is currently an illegal and unsustainable harvesting of these trees for their bark, which is commonly used in traditional medicine, including many remedies that are used to treat influenza, diarrhoea, burns and other ailments.

The project will initially focus on the western Soutpansberg, a region where the EWT is already engaged in critical conservation work through their Soutpansberg Protected Area, and a known priority area for the species.

Belinda Glenn, marketing and communications manager of EWT, said the plan to save the pepper barks is threefold.

“The team will conduct strategic research to understand the geographic priorities, conservation needs and mitigation options for the conservation of the species.

“They will implement targeted habitat protection and restoration work in the Soutpansberg, including clearing of invasive species and the proclamation of 22 803 hectares of privately-owned land into Privately Protected Areas and work with traditional health practitioners (THPs) to conserve wild pepper barks.”

Traditional medicine remains a critical health care modality throughout southern Africa due to its cultural significance as well as limited access to western medical care in many parts of the sub-region.

“Once dismissed as mere superstition or witchcraft, many western health care professionals are increasingly acknowledging the role of THPs, particularly as the pharmacological properties of many plant species have now been validated scientifically, ” said Glenn.

Previous studies have shown that working with THPs, by providing them with seedlings to grow their own pepper bark trees, has substantially reduced the impact of illegal harvesting in areas where this has taken place.

“We want to ensure that those who depend on the tree for its medicinal properties have access to a legal source which is crucial to conserving this species.

“And this work is made possible through funding from Fondation Franklinia,” said Little.

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