For centuries the Pepper Bark Tree (Warburgia salutaris) has been one of the most important traditional medicinal trees used by local communities. As a result of this, it is now only found in a few locations within protected areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This species is receiving high priority for recovery actions because it is a listed Endangered species according to the IUCN Red Data Book.

Phinda Private Game Reserve has just recently completed a month-long survey of the tree. (Together with the Tonga Red Squirrel and the Four-toed Elephant Shrew, the Pepper bark Tree is one of the rarest species on Phinda!)

At the end of the survey, it was established that Phinda contains 39 stands and 1350 trees- the largest population in Kwazulu Natal, and probably in South Africa! The next largest population is believed to be in Tembe Elephant Park, which when last surveyed contained only 18 stands with 495 plants.

Another Conservation-first for &Beyond and Phinda!