South Africa has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the years, with the latest incident reported on January 20, 2025, in the Mpumalanga region. The country's tree cover extent, which stands at approximately 5.98 million hectares, has been subject to various pressures resulting in a net loss of tree cover. Over the years, the main drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as forestry, shifting agriculture, wildfires, and urbanization.
From 2001 to 2023, forestry has consistently been the leading cause of tree cover loss, contributing to a substantial percentage of the total loss each year. Shifting agriculture also plays a significant role, followed by wildfires and urbanization, which, while smaller in scale, still contribute to the overall decline in tree cover. The data indicates a net change in tree cover that reflects a loss of over 141,000 hectares, marking a negative change of approximately 1.86%.
Explore country profileThis trend of tree cover loss has implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the well-being of local communities. The latest fire incident in Mpumalanga adds to the ongoing challenge of managing and preserving South Africa's natural resources. The country's history of tree cover loss underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the underlying causes and to promote sustainable land management practices.
