Namibia's succulents are being poached at levels that could quickly wipe out entire species, and that for a global ornamental plant market largely unaware of the damage being caused. According to the Namibia National Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement Report for 2024, live-plant trafficking poses a massive threat to Namibian succulents and pachycauls. Large numbers of live plants were once again seized in 2024, although the number of arrests and seizures was lower than in 2023. The report noted that, while the exact number of consignments evading detection is unknown, preliminary research suggests the figure is substantial. Seizure records show that elephant’s foot (Adenia pechuelii) was the most-targeted species in 2023, with 326 plants confiscated. In 2024, the focus shifted to kobas (Cyphostemma), with a total of 465 plants seized. "All these plants are slow-growing and sparsely distributed in localised ranges, and are classified as endemic or near-endemic to Namibia," the report stated. In total, seven plant-related cases were registered in 2024, leading to 13 arrests and the seizure of 700 plant products, including live plants, timber, and devil’s claw derivatives.
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