Within the Selati Game Reserve lies a region that shelters one of the world’s rarest cycad species. These cycads are listed under CITES Appendix I, which are critically endangered. Nestled in the Lillie Hills, in the southern part of the reserve, is the only known colony of Encephalartos dyerianus on Earth. Cycads worldwide, especially in South Africa, have suffered severe population declines due to rampant poaching. The Lillie Cycad now faces an urgent need for conservation efforts.
The SWF received a grant from the IUCN Save Our Species to upgrade the guard camp onsite and several strategies were implemented to further protect the cycads including the deployment of WPS cameras in strategic areas to monitor unauthorised entry to the Reserve. Full details about the IUCN Grant can be found here:
We have partnered with experts in LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology and RGB (colour detection) imaging to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Cycad Reserve. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of the unique landscape and accurately assess the cycad population.
Using state-of-the-art LiDAR and high-resolution drone imagery, the study will generate a detailed dataset, offering valuable insights into the ecological dynamics that sustain Encephalartos dyerianus in its natural habitat. By establishing a precise baseline of population density, the project will help track demographic trends and spatial distribution over time.
Comparing this dataset with information from nearby koppies will allow researchers to analyse key environmental factors influencing cycad distribution and abundance. Given the challenging terrain these rare cycads inhabit, this project is groundbreaking and could provide critical insights applicable to other cycad conservation efforts worldwide.
Read our blog posts about the surveys here:
