Wildfires and urbanization also play a role, though to a lesser extent. In the same year, wildfires contributed to a loss of around 419 hectares, and urban development accounted for approximately 362 hectares. The cumulative effect of these factors has led to a net change in tree cover that reflects a loss of over 141,776 hectares, indicating a negative trend of -1.86%.
The latest incident from October 26, 2024, reported a fire alert in the North West region of South Africa, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing and preserving its tree cover. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of these drivers and preserve South Africa's natural heritage.
