REPORT OF THE HIGH–LEVEL PANEL ON ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS

WHY APPOINT A PANEL?

Despite the high reputation of South Africa as a global leader in conservation, citizens from different interest groups raised concern in recent years about the policies, legislation and practices related to the trade in and management, breeding, hunting and handling of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. The country specifically received local and international criticism from prominent conservation and pro-sustainable-use and hunting organisations in Africa and abroad about the captive breeding of lion for hunting or trade. The latter ended in a Parliamentary Colloquium on this issue, with recommendations from the legislature to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to review their policies on this practice. In October 2019, Minister Barbara Creecy appointed various experts with diverse backgrounds in their personal capacity to review the policies, legislation and practices on all matters related to the trade in and management, breeding, hunting and handling of elephant, lion and leopard, as well as the two rhinoceros species.

WHAT PROCESS WAS FOLLOWED?

Information on the challenges and views of the various sectors and role players involved in the wildlife sector was gathered by engaging with government, public and wildlife sector role players. More than 70 written submissions were received, including one made by SA Hunters. Communities living with the relevant species