EZEMVELO KZN Wildlife, SA CAN and Hillcrest Conservancy are striving to protect the endangered Arum Lilies.
According to Lachlan Nicholson, SA CAN Community Communications officer, the beautiful lilies are being illegally harvested in wetlands throughout the upper Highway and particularly in the Springside Nature Reserve as well as the Kassier Road areas.
“This is an earnest plea to anyone who may consider buying them, not to do so. They are a ‘specially protected’ plant, as they play a vital role in nature’s life-cycle and are therefore ecologically important,” said Nicholson.
According to Nicholson the large delicate lilies are being plucked illegally and sold at the side of the road, and targeted more frequently than any other lily species.
“We are not exactly sure why they are being targeted, but the constant removal of the blooms which produce their seeds has led to a drastic reduction in numbers and even disappearance in their natural areas. When the buying stops, harvesting will too and together we can conserve these natural wonders,” said Nicholson.
“We at SA CAN are trying to help KZN Wildlife and the Conservancy as much as we can to prevent the extinction in the wild of the flowers. We have a large membership and decided that we would be able to assist with the initiative,” said Nicholson.
Vincent Farror, a member of the Forest Hills Neighbourhood Watch managed to arrest two men who were illegally selling the lilies. The first illegal trader was arrested on Wednesday 18 September in New Germany with 80 flowers in his possession.
A second arrest was also made on the same day at the intersection of Bamboo Lane and Bevis Road in Pinetown.
The Forest Hills Neighbourhood Watch was unable to comment, and despite several attempts the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife spokesman could not be reached for comment. Reports that 975 arums were confiscated in the Highway area could not be confirmed.
Residents are urged to report the illegal harvesting, selling or buying of arum lilies to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on 031 274 1150. Hawkers can also be reported to Metro Police on 031 767 1222.
