Identifying key biodiversity threats and conservation interventions through management and governance assessment

Sehlabathebe National Park offers significant habitat to a range of unique Afro-Alpine and Sub-Alpine plants, mammals, avifauna, reptiles, amphibians and fish with several internationally recognised rare and threatened endemic species including the Cape- and Bearded vultures, Maloti Minnow and Sehlabathebe Lily. It has a rich cultural heritage with 222 archaeological sites, 97 of which are rock art sites, qualifying the Park as one of the densest rock art concentrations in the world. Systematic assessments identified key biodiversity threats and conservation interventions required for the unique endemic and other plants and animal species found in the park and bufferzone as well as identifying governance issues of the PA and what actions could improve the governance and equity of conservation measures at the site. Following these assessments it is crucial to introduce the third phase of the process which supports planning and implementation of priority actions.