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ZINKE SITHOLE

GREEDY rich Gautengers have been blamed for killing Mpumalanga's wild cycad population.

These prehistoric plants, which are protected by law, have become a symbol of wealth and status and a growing demand for them in Gauteng has resulted in an increase in poaching in Mpumalanga, said Mpumalanga Parks Board spokesperson Jimmy Masombuka.

"The rich are paying the poor to steal these plants for them," said Masombuka.

He said the thieves were offered R350 for the job, whereas the plants are usually worth in the region of R2 285 on the black market.

He said there were also more organised syndicates poaching the cycads.

This year alone, the parks board has investigated nine cases involving the poaching of plants and, in June, recovered cycads worth R200 000.

In 2002, the parks board handled only three cases, said Masombuka.

Cycads are an ancient group of plants which have been around for between 65 million and 250 million years, but they are slowly dying out.

By law, wild, indigenous cycad species may not be tampered with, collected, or kept as garden plants without a special permit.

Masombuka said there were awareness campaigns about the need to obtain permits to harvest, fish, hunt or transport wild fauna and flora.

Those who do not have permits can be jailed for up to 10 years or fined R200 000.

To inquire about permits, call (013) 759 5334. - African Eye News Service

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