Plight of the chameleons
PAULSHOF – Local conservation organisation FreeMe has been increasingly concerned about the number of exotic animals that have been brought into their rehabilitation centre in recent weeks.
“Since the year began, we have received about 15 emancipated chameleons,” said FreeMe representative, Penny Morkel. “We’ve had to put a couple of them down seeing as they suffered collapsed hipbones, severed spines and severe calcium deficiencies. One chameleon’s bottom jaw was completely crushed, making it impossible for him to eat.”
It is alleged that these exotic animals are sold on the roadside of the Pilanesberg route in North West Province and are bought by families returning home to Joburg from their holiday and weekend getaways.
“Many of the families buy them because they feel sorry for the animal, or temporary entertainment for children,” added Morkel. “But they don’t know how to care for these animals properly and they also don’t realise that they are encouraging the traders to poach more of these animals in the wild.”
John Power, biodiversity specialist for the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism for North West Province, stated that this is a growing problem in the province.
“Firstly, it’s difficult to apprehend these suspects because they never operate from the same place or time, so there is no way of establishing patterns which will enable law enforcement to catch them,” said Power. “Secondly, if they are caught, they are released with a maximum fine of R5 000 because the regional magistrates’ courts don’t deem it a serious offence.”
Residents are urged not to buy any exotic animal from roadside traders and also to report these traders to the director of the North West Wildlife Protection Unit, Constant Hoogkamer on 014 592 7378.
Details: FreeMe www.freeme.org.za
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