Environmental Research Journal

Year: 2009
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
Page No. 68 - 75

Conservation of Endangered Species: Aloe polyphylla in Lesotho

Authors : Mofokeng Maleribe Julia and Ge Jiwen

Abstract: Biodiversity conservation has always been important to people because they use biodiversity daily. Despite this, biodiversity remains highly endangered especially from anthropogenic activities leading to extinction including species legally protected. Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla), endemic to Lesotho only but valuable worldwide is a good example. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of strategies used to conserve Aloe polyphylla in protected areas and also to find out the best method between ex-suit and in-suit for conserving Aloe polyphylla. Both in-suit and ex-suit strategies were studied in Aloe polyphylla conservation. The research was done from May to July 2008. Interviews were conducted in Katse Botanical Garden, National University of Lesotho Botanical Garden, Ts’ehlanyane National Park, Ts’ehlanyane village and Ministry of Environment in Lesotho. Both closed-ended and open-ended interviews were used to gather information. Purposive methods were used to sample the respondents in all areas of study. The results showed that Aloe polyphylla is effectively conserved through simple propagation methods, which make them sustainable. No conserved natural species was found, which revealed that a lot of species in the wild are still in danger. It has also been found that as for now, ex-suit conservation is the best method for Aloe polyphylla, because the laws protecting this species in the wild are not yet very effective and strict enough. It has therefore been concluded that natural Aloe polyphylla is not yet fully protected and soon it will extinct in the wild.

How to cite this article:

Mofokeng Maleribe Julia and Ge Jiwen , 2009. Conservation of Endangered Species: Aloe polyphylla in Lesotho. Environmental Research Journal, 3: 68-75.

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