South Africa has witnessed a significant impact on its tree cover over the years. With a total area of approximately 122 million hectares, the tree cover extent stands at around 5.98 million hectares. However, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a decrease of 1.86% from the stable tree cover. This loss is primarily driven by shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization.
The data reveals that shifting agriculture and forestry are the main contributors to tree cover loss, accounting for substantial portions of the total loss each year. Wildfires and urbanization, while less significant in comparison, still pose a threat to the country's tree cover. The latest incident from Eastern Cape highlights the ongoing challenge of wildfires, with a recent fire alert underscoring the need for vigilance and sustainable land management practices.
Explore country profileThe trend over the years shows a fluctuating but persistent loss of tree cover, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017. The loss due to forestry has been particularly notable, suggesting a need for a review of forestry practices and policies. As South Africa continues to face these environmental challenges, the focus on preserving and expanding tree cover becomes increasingly critical for the country's ecological health and sustainability.
