Large Macaranga tree terminally ring-barked near McIntosh falls

This is probably the worst muthi harvesting event recorded to date with 41 large trees being ring-barked. Tree species that were harvested include: Wild Poplar (Macaranga capenesis) – 10 trees; Tassel Berry (Antidesma venosum) – 6 trees; Flat-crown (Albizia adianthifolia) – 6 trees; Red Beech (Protorhus longifolia) – 4 trees; Pambati-tree (Anastrabe integerrima) – 3 trees; River Wild-quince (Cryptocarya woodii) – 1 tree; Umdoni (Syzigium cordatum) – 1 tree; Mitzeeri (Bridelia micrantha) – 1 tree; Quinine Tree (Rauvolfia caffra) – 1 tree; Magic Rope (Oncinotis tenuiloba) – 2 climbers; and alien trees: Camphor – 6 trees; Grevilia – 2 trees; Casuarina – 1 tree. There were also 13 excavated sites where unknown roots were taken as well as one used snare that we suspect had killed a bushpig (this may have been an unrelated incident).

Remains of forest climber (Magic Rope)

The muthi harvesting incident was almost certainly done in one coordinated effort, probably using a similar modus operandi that was witnessed during the 2007 incidents, i.e. unemployed people hired to harvest as much as possible and then passing this over to an organized syndicate that then sells on to the markets, no doubt taking the lions share in profits.

This activity is fast destroying our forest habitats as it opens the canopy up to light leading to subsequent invasion of undesirable alien species, effectively removing habitat for forest dependent animals and plants. The GGEP has begun implementing a contingency plan, which has involved the installation of signs and the painting of canopy trees. Painting renders the bark useless for muthi purposes.