Atlai | Country Profile

Tree Cover in South Africa

From 2001 to 2022, South Africa lost 1571kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 2.4% net decrease in tree cover since 2001.

Annual Tree Cover Loss by Dominant Driver in South Africa

In South Africa from 2001 to 2022, 1571kha of tree cover loss occurred in areas where the dominant drivers of loss resulted in deforestation.

Location of Tree Cover Loss in South Africa

In South Africa, the top 5 regions were responsible for 99.6% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2022. KwaZulu-Natal had the most tree cover loss at 615.2kha compared to an average of 174.6 kha.

KwaZulu-Natal615.2kha

Mpumalanga485.4kha

Western Cape207.9kha

Eastern Cape186.4kha

Limpopo69.2kha

Components of net change in tree cover in South Africa

From 2000 to 2020, South Africa experienced a net change of -141.8 kha (-1.86%) in tree cover.

The loss total is different from annual tree cover loss, as this data was created using a different method and forest definition. For gross or annual loss information, please see the tree cover loss widget.
Disturbance represents areas that experienced both loss and gain between 2000 and 2020

Tree Cover Gain in South Africa Compared to Other Areas

From 2000 to 2020, South Africa gained 388.2 kha of tree cover equal to 0.30% of the global total.

Russia37.2Mha

Canada17.0Mha

United States14.0Mha

Brazil8.1Mha

China6.7Mha

Weekly Fire Alerts In South Africa

In South Africa the peak fire season typically occurs in September. There were 18005 VIIRS fire alerts reported between 8 Jan 2023 and 31 Dec 2023 considering high confidence alerts only.

Cumulative Fire Alerts In South Africa Compared to Other Areas

In South Africa there have been 18,005 VIIRS fire alerts reported so far in 2023 considering high confidence alerts only. This total is high compared to the total for previous years going back to 2023. The most fires recorded in a year was 2023, with 18,005.

Historical Fire Alerts In South Africa Compared to Other Areas

Between 8 Jan 2023 and 31 Dec 2023 South Africa experienced a total of 151,255 VIIRS fire alerts (high confidence).

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South Africa Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Loss Persists

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