MEDIA STATEMENT: MEC CALLS ON ALL ROLE PLAYERS TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES IN THE PROVINCE
21 May 2021
The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole has applauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a sterling job in addressing the illegal poaching of succulent, marine and reptile species as well as their approach to the illegal activities associated with environmental crimes.
The message comes as the country is celebration the Endangered Species Day, today, 21 May 2021.
Every year on the third Friday of May, the day is celebrated to encourage communities to act in assisting government to protect threatened and endangered species.
MEC Manopole said the illicit collection of endangered species is driven by a market for illegally hunted and poached species.
“However, with the collaboration of the South African Police Services (SAPS) perpetrators of these illegal acts will continue to face the full might of the law if found. As the Department we applaud the men and women in blue, for the sterling job in addressing the illegal poaching of succulent, marine and reptile species”, she said.
The list of endangered species covers mammals, birds and plant species.
MEC Manopole said this year, the Province will focus on the poaching of pangolin and the illegal harvesting and collection of succulents.
“Pangolins are considered to be the most trafficked animals in the world. They are poached for their scales, which used in traditional medicines, the meat is considered to be a delicacy and for their blood, seen as a healing tonic”, said MEC.
Succulents are plants with thick, plump and puffy parts designed to retain water. The word succulent is derived from the Latin word sucus “, meaning juice or sap.
Succulent plants are specially adapted to survive in some dry Northern Cape areas, arid environments and can conserve water in special water storage cells in thickened or swollen leaves, stems or roots.
Water storage tissue consists of large cells with thin cells walls that can expand or shrink depending on the availability of water.
Furthermore, the MEC appreciated the efforts of stakeholders like the Kalahari Wildlife Project, for the good work they do in ensuring the rehabilitation and re-integration of pangolins into the environment.
She further called on all role players to play an active role in ensuring the protection of endangered species in the country and the Province.
End
Issues by the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform.
Media enquiries contact Zandisile Luphahla, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the MEC, on 083 391 5388
