South Africa, a country with an area spanning over 121 million hectares, has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the past two decades. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at approximately 5.98 million hectares, has experienced a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of 530,16.50 hectares and a gain of 388,239.98 hectares, resulting in a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares. This represents a 1.86% decrease in tree cover, indicating a concerning trend for the nation's forests and ecosystems.
The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. Shifting agriculture and forestry alone have contributed to the majority of the tree cover loss, with forestry activities accounting for a substantial portion of the total loss over the years. Wildfires, although contributing to a smaller fraction of the loss, remain a persistent threat, as evidenced by the latest fire incident in the Western Cape region on January 3, 2025.
Explore country profileThe impact of these drivers varies, but the trend indicates a persistent challenge in managing and conserving South Africa's tree cover. The country's rich biodiversity and natural landscapes are at risk if these trends continue. The recent wildfire incident in Western Cape serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the region's tree cover and the need for ongoing vigilance and sustainable management practices to protect these valuable ecosystems.
