Over-harvesting nearly led to its extinction. Now, the pepper bark – a culturally important medicinal tree in South Africa – has seen a positive change in its conservation status, proving that species recovery is possible, and it’s up to us to get there.
Gauteng, South Africa (06 February 2026) – After years of being stripped from the wild for traditional medicine uses, South Africa’s pepper bark tree – scientifically known as Warburgia salutaris – has made a comeback. It’s all thanks to people!
The tree had been heavily over-harvested to the point where wild populations collapsed, earning it an Endangered listing on South Africa’s Red List. Thanks to long-term, coordinated recovery efforts, its conservation status has recently improved from Endangered to Vulnerable.
It’s an encouraging change that shows extinction risk doesn’t always have to be permanent…if we do something about it.
The update comes from new findings released by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as part of South Africa’s 2025 National Biodiversity Assessment, shared ahead of Reverse the Red Day on Saturday, 7 February.
South Africa is one of the most botanically diverse countries in the world. Around two-thirds of our plant species are found nowhere else on the planet! That richness also comes with responsibility. Roughly 17% of local plant species are currently at risk of extinction, with more than 3000 plants considered threatened.
The pepper bark tree is one of the success stories.
The recovery is thanks to a long-term collaboration. Key players included the Endangered Wildlife Trust, forestry company Sappi, provincial conservation authorities, protected area agencies and botanical institutions.
Rather than relying on strict protection alone, conservationists focused on addressing the root of its decline. Because the tree is widely used for medicinal purposes, cultivated pepper bark plants were supplied to traditional healers and growers. This helped reduce pressure on wild populations and worked with communities, not against them.
What to take from the success story?
SANBI’s assessment shows that nearly 300 Critically Endangered and Endangered plant species still need urgent recovery work. Depending on the species and the existing threats to its conservation status, varied approaches can help make a positive difference. Habitat restoration, invasive species management and reducing unsustainable use will all go a long way in protecting endangered plant species.
This matters far beyond saving individual plants. Healthy plant populations support pollinators, stabilise soil, regulate water flows and strengthen ecosystems. In many communities, they also support livelihoods and cultural practices. Recovery of species helps build strength on all fronts.
The pepper bark’s comeback shows what’s possible when conservation works. It’s an important reminder that decline doesn’t always mean irreversible. Even species pushed to the brink can find their way back.
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