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Cabinet has approved that proposals for the downlisting of certain South African animal species to the 9th CITES Conference of the Parties to be held in Fort Lauderdale, USA between 7 and 18 November 1994 be proceeded with. Cabinet took note of differences of option on this issue and that various sensitive aspects are involved. Responsible discussions of this issue, at a forum such as the CITES Conference is required to clarify the principles of sustainable use which underpin South Africa's conservation programmes and eco-tourism.

The South African proposals are the following:

Proposal for the transfer of South Africa's population of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) from Appendix I to Appendix II.

Proposal for the transfer of South Africa's population of the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) from Appendix I to Appendix II.

Proposal for the amendment of South Africa's Nile crocodile population (Crocodulus niloticus) from a quota system to a ranching proposal.

The guiding principle in all these proposals is the sustainable utilisation of natural resources - a principle which is accepted and generally practised by conservation authorities world-wide.

The African elephant and the white rhinoceros are both included in Appendix I. The Nille crocodile is already included in Appendix II, but the export of specimens taken from the wild is subject to a quota.

Appendix I of CITES included species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by international trade. Permits for the import or export of specimens and products of these species will not be issued for commercial purposes. These species therefore have world-wide protection against exploitation by international trade. Species in Appendix II are those that may come under threat if international trade is not properly controlled and monitored. International Trade is these species is subject to the issuing of export permits.

AFRICAN ELEPHANT

The number and distribution of African elephant populations in South Africa increased from four in 1910, in an area of not more than 100 000 ha, to more than 47 populations (9 261 individuals( in 1993, covering an area of more than 2,8m ha. Approximately 82% of these animals occur in the Kruger National Park. Based on the extent of the total available suitable habitat, the potential maximum elephant population size for South Africa would be in the range of 13 000 animals. It must be kept in mind that the availability of areas which are suitably fenced is of course a stumbling block which presently prevents this number to be reached.

The dramatic increase in range and number of elephants in South Africa since 1910 can be attributed mainly to the very effective conservation and wildlife management practices applied by the national Parks Board. The management programme for the Kruger National Park estimates the optimal elephant population at 7 5000 animals. However, the population is steadily increasing and in order to prevent habitat deterioration the size of the population has to be controlled by either translation or culling. Habitat deterioration in the Kruger National Park will not only negatively affect the elephant population, but also other animal populations utilising the same habitat.

Translocation is being done as far as possible and in the period 1979 to 1991 23 discrete new populations of elephant were established by Translocation of young elephants. As can be realised the Translocation of animals cannot take place unabated and the areas to which elephants can be translocated will eventually reach a saturation point.

Over the twenty year period since 1974 a mean number of 517 animals therefore has to be culled annually in the Kruger National Park. By-products of the culling programme are ivory, hides, hair and meat. The mean annual income from the sale of these products, both internationally and nationally, for the period 1985 to 1989 was approximately R5m, of which ivory sales accounted for slightly more than half. Due to the establishment of the CITES ban the mean annual income derived from the sale of elephant products within South Africa in the period 1990 to 1992, was just on R1,8m.

It must be emphasised that the South African proposal submitted to the forthcoming 9th conference of CITES entails the lifting of the ban on international trade only in elephant products other than ivory. Therefore, acceptance of this proposal will allow South Africa to trade internationally in elephant products such as hides, meat and hair. In terms of this proposal no international trade in South African ivory will be allowed. Therefore, no possibility exists that this proposal will open the door for international trade in ivory.

A re-instatement of trade in non-ivory products will yield an annual income in the order of R3,2m which could be used for conservation purposes.

WHITE RHINOCEROS

Through the concerted conservation efforts in particular by the natal Parks Board, the numbers of white rhinoceros in South Africa increases from 20 by 1920 in the Umfolozi Game Reserve to close on 1 000 in 1961. At this stage a relocation programme was started, and the population has since increased to the present level of approximately 6 000. What is of equal importance in the fact that the range of these animals was extended and populations were re-established in areas where it had been exterminated through hunting and human inhabitation.

The white rhinoceros has been on Appendix I of CITES since 1976 and South Africa has adhered strictly to the terms of the Convention in this regard. Inclusion of this species in Appendix I had little or no effect on its steady decline in the rest of Africa due to poaching for rhino horn. However, sound management practises over the years in South Africa has led to a stable population which can now be utilised in a sustainable way.

The South African proposal submitted to the forthcoming CITES conference entails the lifting of the ban on international trade in white rhinoceros products, other than rhino horn. Such an easing of the ban will allow a degree of sustainable utilisation of the rhino in South Africa. Potential uses apart from safari or trophy hunting, could include, among other, darting safaris, sale of products from natural moralities such as hair, skin, toenails and other products. Although it is realised that only a limited market for these products exists, it may serve as an incentive to the private game owner to increase his rhino holdings. These products would also provide income needed for the continued protection and management of the white rhino population.

NILE CROCODILE

The South African population of the Nile crocodile has proved to be very stable over the years, both inside and outside protected areas, and is estimated at around 8 900 individuals. Since 1986 crocodiles have been successfully reared on farms under captive breeding operation, with skins and meat being the major products.

The South African Nile crocodile population is included in Appendix II of CITES subject to a quota to be taken from the wild. The proposal to the CITES conference requests that South Africa be allowed to collect eggs and hatchlings in the wild and transfer them to a controlled environment where they are hatched or reared. This procedure is known as ranching and also requires that a certain percentage of the animal reared in such a way, be returned to replenish the natural population.

ISSUED BY THE MINSTER OF ENVORIONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

Enquiries: Mr S Gerber
Tel: (012) 310 3695
Mr H Grove
Tel: (012) 310 3699
Rhino 23/11