Succulent smuggling

[Herts Mike]

Pattock, thanks for the update on the Saunders situation.

[Herts Mike]

The words plot and lost come to mind.

[MikeT]

I wonder what kind of a dent is caused to the wild populations by collecting say 4000 conos?

If that was all the plants at a particular locality, then very substantial. Many Cono populations are isolated, even if the species as a whole is more widely distributed. Some Conos are very localised endemics, occuring on only a single hill. And some of the illegal collections are way, way over 4000 plants. Whole habitats are stripped; any recovery is likely to take decades, if at all.

[Ali Baba]

I wonder what kind of a dent is caused to the wild populations by collecting say 4000 conos?

If that was all the plants at a particular locality, then very substantial. Many Cono populations are isolated, even if the species as a whole is more widely distributed. Some Conos are very localised endemics, occuring on only a single hill. And some of the illegal collections are way, way over 4000 plants. Whole habitats are stripped; any recovery is likely to take decades, if at all.

I guess this kind of collection is always going to be from a single location as that is the most effective way of collecting as many as possible. It is very sad

[Bill]

I have deleted all the "contentious" posts, they largely contributed nothing to the conversation, and the original post was slightly open to interpretation but the response unnecessary, if you have an issue with something someone says then inform one of the team, I know the report system is a bit flaky but you can pm or even better email.

Bill

[Herts Mike]

Sorry to bring up this old thread but does anybody know if an update on the Rod and Rachel Saunders murder case?

[Pattock]

Sorry to bring up this old thread but does anybody know if an update on the Rod and Rachel Saunders murder case?

Delayed due to COVID.

"The trial of Patel, Del Vecchio and Jackson is expected to proceed in May." Article published 14/3/22.

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article ... time-bomb/

[Herts Mike]

Thanks Pattock. Keep us informed.