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South Africa Fact Sheet
Until 1991, South African law divided the population into four major racial categories: Africans (black), whites, coloreds, and Asians. Although this law has been abolished, many South Africans still view themselves and each other according to these categories.2 Black Africans comprise about 79% of the population and are divided into a number of different ethnic groups. Whites comprise about 10% of the population.3 South Africa is currently experiencing one of the most severe HIV epidemics in the world. By the end of 2005, there were five and a half million people living with HIV in South Africa, and almost 1,000 AIDS deaths occurring every day, according to UNAIDS estimates.4 South Africa has the third highest level of biodiversity in the world.5 There are more that 22,000 indigenous vascular plant species in South Africa of which 80% are uniquely South African.6 South Africa hosts an estimated 5.8% of the world's total of mammal species; 8% of bird species; 4.6% of the global diversity of reptile species; 16% of the total number of marine fish species in the world; and 5.5% of the world's described insect species.7 Already 2,527 (12%) of South Africa's plant species, 102 (14%) of bird, 72 (24%) of reptile, 17 (18%) of amphibian, 90 (37%) of mammal, and 22% of butterfly species are listed as threatened in the South African Red Data Books, which indicate the conservation status of threatened species and ecosystems.8 South Africa is one of many African countries which argue that a limited trade in wildlife product stockpiles should be allowed so that the proceeds can be used to pay for conservation.9 With an annual value of about $6 billion US, the illegal wildlife trade is one of the most lucrative trans-national crimes, ranking just behind the international narcotics business.10 |
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