South Africa has faced a persistent challenge in maintaining its tree cover, with a net loss of 141,776.52 hectares, marking a 1.86% decrease over the years. The data reveals a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss, with the highest recorded in 2017 at 94,55.93 hectares. Shifting agriculture and forestry remain the leading drivers of this decline, contributing to significant habitat disruption. The latest incident in Mpumalanga highlights the ongoing struggle, with a fire alert reported on January 23, 2025. This incident underscores the broader environmental issues at play, as the country continues to lose valuable tree cover, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance. The trend calls for a deeper examination of land management practices and their long-term sustainability.
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