A remarkable succulent plant, resembling a small pebble and growing exclusively in one location on Earth, has come to the brink of extinction. This tiny plant, known as Lithops werneri, one of the so-called 'living stones,' survives only in a single area spanning 4 square kilometers in the Erongo Mountains, located in central Namibia.
According to the latest assessment by the IUCN Red List, the species has been classified as critically endangered because its population has declined by more than 80% since 1981, with fewer than 200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
The unusual succulent almost perfectly blends with its surrounding rocky landscapes—an evolutionary adaptation that helps it defend against herbivores. It grows in an extremely fragile habitat, rooting in a gravel layer only two centimeters thick, which lies over exposed granite.
Unlike many plants with scattered populations, Lithops werneri exists only in one known location. This makes it particularly vulnerable, as one serious external impact could wipe out the entire species. According to the Namibian National Botanical Research Institute, the plant has always had a naturally restricted range. However, after it was first scientifically described in the 1950s, it became highly sought after by collectors who supplied European horticultural trade. Despite numerous searches over decades, no additional wild populations have ever been found. For a time, the species was even considered extinct until it was rediscovered at the original site in 2012.
Surveys show alarming rates of decline. In 2012, researchers counted 659 plants, but subsequent checks recorded only 118 individuals in 2019 and 163 in 2020. Although illegal collection remains a threat, conservation activists point out that climate change is becoming an increasingly significant danger. These plants have shallow root systems and depend on periodic rainfall for survival. Prolonged droughts can lead to the death of adult plants, and young seedlings require several consecutive rainy seasons to establish themselves. Drought can also force hungry animals to feed on vegetation they usually avoid, damaging or uprooting the fragile succulents. Conversely, sudden floods can damage the unstable gravel substrate upon which this species depends.
Lithops, widely known as living stones or stone plants, is a group of dwarf succulents native to Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. Their stony appearance allows them to blend seamlessly into rocky landscapes, making them one of the most astonishing examples of camouflage in botany. Since Lithops werneri is restricted to one location, conservation specialists warn that protecting the remaining habitat is crucial for the survival of this species.
Significant parts of the city of Durban are experiencing prolonged water shortages, forcing residents to rely on water tankers. The most affected areas are the western and southern parts of the city.
City advisor Tabani Ndlovu reported that in the southern districts, such as Umbumbulu, Folweni, Mfumme, eKhahleni, and Umgababa, residents have lived for years without access to water and are heavily dependent on cisterns. He noted that in central areas, water may appear for a day or two before disappearing again. In places like Umlazi and parts of Ntuzuma, water is available, but frequent interruptions can last for several days.
The municipality presented information on steps being taken to resolve the water supply issues. Work on modernizing the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct in Chatsworth has been announced. Upon completion, the construction of a 24-kilometer main pipeline will significantly improve and stabilize water supply in the city's southern districts.
Furthermore, the modernization of the Ogunjini Water Treatment Plant will increase water availability for approximately 3,000 households in Ogunjini, including Osindisweni Hospital. Mduduzi Nkosi, head of the trade services department overseeing water supply, confirmed the existence of difficulties but assured that work is underway to resolve the problem.
Nkosi explained that the southern aqueduct required replacement due to its age and potential danger to residents; a leak could damage homes. This single pipeline supplies nearly one million people, and after commissioning, expected by the end of the year, pressure on the supply system will ease.
The scale of the water problems was highlighted by the Department of Cooperation and Traditional Affairs, which announced the dispatch of water tankers to seven municipalities in the province. It was reported that yesterday, Minister of Water and Sanitation Tulasize Butelezi held a meeting with district mayors at the Department of Water and Sanitation offices in Durban. At this strategic meeting, an operational plan was approved to deploy over 20 provincial water tankers to provide immediate assistance to communities suffering from acute water shortages.
The targeted intervention aims to support seven key district municipalities that are currently facing serious service delivery constraints: eMbe District Municipality, uGu District Municipality, Amajuba District Municipality, uThukela District Municipality, Zululand District Municipality, uMzinyathi District Municipality, and uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
The nationwide project 'My Garden' (Mening Bog'im) continues to be implemented in Uzbekistan, aiming to create modern green public areas based on citizen initiatives. This project unites the efforts of the state, local authorities, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, forestry services, and residents, contributing to the formation of a comfortable urban environment, improving the quality of life, and adapting settlements to the consequences of climate change.
A key feature of the project is the active participation of the public. Residents submit proposals for the creation of new green zones, which are then put to a public vote on the 'Open Budget' portal. Projects that receive the most support receive funding, and their implementation is carried out by the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change together with relevant agencies.
The scale of the project expands annually. In 2024, 789 initiatives were submitted to the 'Open Budget' portal, of which 212 projects became winners after voting. 140.1 hectares of land were allocated for their implementation, resulting in the appearance of 128 green gardens and 84 public parks.
In 2025, residents proposed 570 projects, from which 174 initiatives were selected. After assessing the locations, 18 projects were rejected due to non-compliance with established requirements. As a result, 89 green gardens and 67 public parks were created on an area of 104.9 hectares according to approved design and estimate documentation.
Work continues in 2026. The Council of Ministers of the Karakalpakstan Republic, together with the hokimiyats of regional and city administrations of Tashkent, prepared 610 proposals for the creation of new green zones. More than 152,000 citizens participated in the vote, with 97,400 supporting the winning projects. After selecting 208 initiatives, they received funding, guaranteeing at least one project in every region and city of the country. A total of 52 billion Uzbek soms has been allocated for the implementation of these projects.
Currently, the 'My Garden' project is being implemented in all regions of Uzbekistan. In the Surkhandarya region, in the Angor district, one of the region's largest green zones is being created on the territory of 'Korakir'. 270,000 ornamental trees are being planted on an area of 108 hectares to improve the ecological situation, combat desertification, and form a new green landscape.
In the Khorezm region, near the 'Arda Khiva' complex, a modern park of 9 hectares is being formed, where more than 4,000 ornamental trees have already been planted. Upon completion, it will become one of the largest recreational areas of historical Khiva.
In Samarkand region, a 'Green Garden' of 2 hectares has been created in the Olmazor mahalla of the Bulungur district, where more than 1,200 ornamental trees adapted to the local climate have been planted. The installation of lighting, benches, and other landscaping elements is nearing completion. Meanwhile, a new public park with pavilions, pedestrian paths, and comprehensive greenery has opened in the Akdaryo district.
Several large projects are being implemented simultaneously in the Jizzakh region. In the Yangiobod mahalla of the Sharaf Rashidov district, a public park of 10 hectares is being developed, where 2,500 ornamental and fruit trees have currently been planted. In the city of Jizzakh itself, construction of a new park of 13.6 hectares is underway, featuring over 4,800 planted trees and shrubs, including Crimean and Eldar pines, oak, ash, maple, chestnut, birch, elm, and catalpa. In the 'New Uzbekistan' massif of the Sharaf Rashidov district, a public park of 28 hectares and a protective green belt using terracing have been created, where 11,270 trees have been planted and a modern drip irrigation system installed.
The creation of new public gardens and the improvement of existing green areas continue in the Navoi region, with environmental protection services ensuring constant care for young plantings.
Additional contributions come from other environmental campaigns: a 'Tax Inspectors' Garden' of 10,000 trees has been created in Jizzakh, and an initiative dedicated to the 80th anniversary of UNESCO under the slogan '80,000 Trees' has led to the planting of 6,500 seedlings in the Sharaf Rashidov district alone.
In the Fergana region, a green belt with over 100,000 ornamental trees has been formed around the Karkidon reservoir, and a protective forest strip spanning 7.1 kilometers has been laid along the access road.
The creation of green zones includes not only tree planting but also the organization of long-term professional care, with a special focus on summer watering and agrotechnical measures. Cooperation between the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change and the International Fund 'Zamin' provides an additional impetus to development. Within the 'Yashil Zamin' project, active since 2022, thousands of trees and shrubs were planted this spring in Tashkent, Akhangaran, and Yangihoyod districts.
Only in the Yangihoyod district were over 2,000 plane trees, oaks, ashes, myrtle, and Sharon rose bushes planted on an area of 2 hectares, increasing the total number of plantings in this district to 18,790 on an area of 25.6 hectares.
Greening was also promoted along the Burzar canal embankment in the Chilanzar and Yakkasaray districts of Tashkent, as well as in Akhangaran, covering 4.5 hectares with over 5,000 trees during the spring campaign.
In 2026, seven joint environmental projects with the Zamin Fund are planned, including the creation of the youth eco-park 'Yoshlar Eco Bog'i' of 9.26 hectares in Khiva (where 3,082 trees and over 2,000 shrubs are already present) and the comprehensive reconstruction of a 22.6-hectare park in Angren, which will be equipped with walking alleys, modern lighting, picnic areas, an artificial pond, and an automated irrigation system.
The 'My Garden' project has become one of Uzbekistan's largest public environmental initiatives. By giving citizens the opportunity to vote on local projects, it increases green coverage while simultaneously fostering a culture of environmental care oriented towards creating sustainable and viable cities.
The three remaining elephants at the traditional South African zoo—Lammie (47 years old), Ramadiba (28 years old), and Mopani (26 years old)—are at the center of a legal dispute. Animal welfare organizations insist that these animals should be transferred to a reserve rather than remaining in zoo conditions.
These three individuals are the last elephants kept in captivity in South African zoos. Their keeping is controversial among activists who consider the situation cruel and have taken legal action demanding their release and transfer to a rewilding sanctuary.
In May, the campaign presented evidence to the court indicating that Lammie, Ramadiba, and Mopani are experiencing stress and depression. Parties supporting the case stated that these elephants are highly intelligent, socially complex, and sentient beings whose well-being is compromised by their confinement conditions.
Lawyers argued that the court should 'allow their immediate release into a suitable reserve... where they can recover.' Megan Carr, a senior researcher at EMS Foundation involved in the application, reported that a decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Carr emphasized that these three elephants are the only ones remaining in an urban zoo environment on the continent. She noted: 'They are the last three elephants exhibited in a traditional zoo in South Africa and in Africa.'
This legal initiative followed the success of activists in 2024 when a 42-year-old elephant was released from the Pretoria National Zoo and moved to a private reserve after years of negotiations with the South African government. This animal spent 40 years in the institution.
When the AFP team visited the Johannesburg zoo, a group of small children approached the viewing platform, shouting, 'Elephant! Elephant!', as the three animals moved through the enclosure.
Lammie, who was born in the zoo and fed exclusively on zoo food, is rare in South Africa among state and private reserves or game reserves. Ramadiba and Mopani arrived in 2019.
A representative from Johannesburg City Parks, Jenny Mudli, reported that the three elephants are under good care and recently underwent a medical examination confirming their health. According to the official, who declined to speak to the media, the facility could hold up to five elephants, and each animal had two caretakers, while food was hidden throughout the enclosure to stimulate walking and foraging.
However, the management of Johannesburg City Parks and the zoo opposes the animals' release, arguing that they are adapted to life in captivity, especially Lammie, who has never lived elsewhere. Tanduksolo Mendreu, the managing director, stated in documents submitted to the court that if the animals are transferred, the zoo will lose the ability to provide important educational and research opportunities to the public, as viewing these animals allowed schoolchildren, particularly from less affluent backgrounds, to see them live.
Carr countered by asking: 'Why show a compromised elephant to a child when it is much easier to watch elephants on video or television?' She added that 'they require vast space to remain healthy and strong, and no enclosure can offer this to an elephant.'
According to activists, the elephants spend the night in two communal enclosures, each measuring 160 square meters, which is smaller than a medium tennis court. During the day, they are allowed to move freely in an unequipped enclosure, which is significantly larger, roughly the size of a football field.
The government reported last August that there are approximately 44,000 African savanna elephants in South Africa, about 6,000 of which belong to private individuals or communities.
