Mpumalanga province boasts a high level of biological diversity, with three recognised centres of endemism in the province (Barberton, Sekhukhuneland and Wolkberg) and one proposed centre of endemism (Lydenburg). The level of protection of these centres is, however, very low and conservation efforts should be focused on these areas. Despite this though, many areas of the province are still in pristine condition.

Endangered and Threatened Species

According to the relevant available data (see also Threatened and Extinct Species per Taxonomic Group indicator), 20 species were classified as Critically Endangered (CR), 37 as Endangered (EN) and 85 species as Vulnerable (VU) within Mpumalanga Province. All of these species face the risk of extinction. Appropriate management action that addresses habitat loss, environmental degradation and fragmentation of landscapes and their root causes are necessary to reduce the threat of species extinction.

Endemic Species

The number of endemics per taxonomic group serves as a state indicator, in other words it aims to provide baseline information on the status, distribution and abundance of endemic species. However, no such database yet exists for the province, thus any decline in the number and abundance of endemics will go undetected, potentially resulting in their extinction.

The Endemic Species per Taxonomic Group indicator is used to specifically reflect this.

Conserved Areas

Areas of high biodiversity importance in Mpumalanga are not well conserved, with about only 24% of the land with high intrinsic biodiversity value, being conserved in formally protected areas (see also the Areas of Conservation Importance indicator). A strategic approach to conservation planning that has the support and buy-in of the entire governance system is necessary if biodiversity conservation has been identified as a priority and aims to be successful. Such a strategic spatial plan, the Mpumalanga Biodiversity Conservation Plan (MBCP), is in the process of being compiled and is due for completion by the end of 2005.

Ecosystem Services

The value of biodiversity is also recognised through the goods, services and benefits that it provides for humans. The degradation or transformation of ecosystems will result in a loss of biodiversity and the creation of pathways for the invasion of alien species, which will disturb the ecosystem functioning and lead to the loss of goods, services and benefits, which these ecosystems provide to humans. A good example are wetlands, which provide services such as flood control, water purification, soil erosion control, recharge of groundwater supplies and the storage of water which ensures the supply in periods of drought.

The Resources Use: Medicinal Plants indicator and the Visitors to Conserved Areas indicator highlights another two benefits provided by conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.

Alien Species

Invading alien plants are the single biggest threat to plant and animal biodiversity through the effects of predation, alteration of habitat or disruption of ecosystem process and services (DWAF, 2002b; UNEP, 2002). Invading alien plants have become established in over 10 million hectares of land in South Africa. If left uncontrolled, the problem will double within 15 years (DWAF, 2002b). Invading alien plants waste 7% of our water resources, reduce farming productivity, intensity flooding and fires, cause erosion, degrade river systems, increase rate of siltation of dams and estuaries, reduce water quality and can cause extinction of indigenous plants and animals (DWAF, 2002b).

The Distribution of Selected Alien Species indicator reports on the alien invasive species occurring in Mpumalanga Province.