WWF opposes lifting of rhino horn trade ban
BRAAMFONTEIN – The World Wildlife Fund is disappointed in the High Court's ruling to lift the ban on domestic trade of rhino horns.
The South African High Court made a decision on 27 November to lift the ban on domestic trade in rhino horn which was imposed by the government in 2009. The World Wildlife Fund issued a statement saying that it regrets the High Court’s decision but is in support of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism prompt announcement to appeal the decision.
The court ruling is in response to a case lodged against the moratorium by two private rhino owners, which means that in South Africa it is possible for individuals to buy rhino horns.
In spite of the court ruling, international trade in rhino horn remains prohibited under the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species.
Rhino programme manager for WWF South Africa, Dr Jo Shaw said that the ruling is a blow to the government which initially executed the moratorium in February 2009 in response to a sharp rise in rhino poaching and concerns that the national trade was facilitating the illegal international trade in rhino horn.
In addition, WWF wildlife trade policy analyst Dr Colman O’ Criodain said it is hard to see any positive conservation benefits from this court ruling, particularly at a time when rhino poaching figures are at a record high.
“There is no domestic demand for rhino horn in South Africa so it is inconceivable that anyone would buy it unless they intend to sell it abroad illegally or they are speculating that international trade will be legalised,” O’ Criodain said.
Shaw added, “Lifting the domestic moratorium can only encourage poaching and illegal activity, especially as it is likely to be misconstrued as a lifting of current international trade ban. Efforts should rather be focused on good regulation of existing private rhino horn stockpiles and increased capacity at ports of entry and exit to detect illegal wildlife products,” he said.
O’ Criodain said that he believes that prompt and positive action will assist in reducing the fall out from this ruling.
Related articles:
Video : Pansula boys dance to save rhino’s
