South Africa’s Red List of Terrestrial Ecosystems (RLEs)

Ecosystem level indicators are emerging as important pillars of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework Convention on Biological Diversity; at same time, IUCN Red List Ecosystems (RLEs) is experiencing rapid uptake. We applied a systematic RLE assessment to 456 terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa between 2017 and 2021. What sets apart this endeavour that an independently formulated ecosystem threat status indicator was developed 2004 2008 list threatened (effectively proto RLE) integrated into national environmental regulatory 2011. Through this, Critically Endangered types were afforded form statutory protection through increased regulation land-use change activities. describe transition focus both technical steps incorporating best available data credible assessment, unique social legal processes ensure conservation sector understood supported proposed replacement existing (2011) with (2021). discuss policy development required Africa, pros cons maintaining legislative link for implementation.