Cycads, the world’s oldest seed-producing plants, are facing extinction. Africa is home to a variety of cycad species and South Africa is regarded as a global hotspot for cycad diversity.

One of the most prominent cycad taxa, the genus Encephalartos, is endemic to Africa and is categorised as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This status indicates that if no conservation actions are taken, it may be wiped off this earth in the near future.

The poaching of wild cycads is the biggest threat to their survival in Africa, particularly the cutting of old trees that are growing in the wild, as they are in high demand in traditional medicine markets and as ornamental plants in gardens. Already, poaching activities in South Africa have resulted in the extinction of three species in the wild.

This insect pest is native to South East Asia. Due to global horticultural trade, it started spreading across the world, posing a threat to the cycad’s existence. This pest has a high potential to spread rapidly across the regions. Controlling it is difficult, costly and labour-intensive once it’s widespread. This is because it forms dense populations preventing the penetration of insecticides.

In the case of a Cycas Aulacaspis Scale outbreak, destroying all cycads in the vicinity is sometimes the only option. Therefore early detection and employing the right management practices are the keys to limiting its further spread, especially in newly invaded areas.

Now to worsen the scenario, an invasive alien species, Aulacaspis yasumatsui, has entered South Africa. Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a scale insect, commonly known as the Cycas Aulacaspis Scale. It has the potential to kill a cycad plant within a few months after infesting it.

Climate mapping can point to danger spots where new pest threatens Africa's cycads (theconversation.com)