The Cape Town High Court has granted an urgent interim relief pending the judgment of the interim interdict against the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s (DFFE) hunting and export quotas.
According to reports, the application for the hunting and export quotas was initiated by the animal protection organisation, Humane Society International/Africa.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the organisation based their arguments on DFFE ‘s failure to comply with the consultation process prescribed by the National Environmental Management Act 10 of 2004, when making the quota decision.
Earlier this year, the DFFE indicated that their hunting quotas allocation is based on the fact that regulated and sustainable hunting is an important conservation tool in South Africa.
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However, HSI/Africa’s 2022 Trophy Hunting report stated that 83% of trophies exported from the country are from captive-bred animals, non-native species or species such as caracal, baboons and honey badgers that are not subject to scientifically based management plans.
According to HSI’s executive director, Tony Gerrans, their organisation has long sought engagement with the Department regarding the harm that trophy hunting causes damage to individual animals and the conservation of threatened and endangered wildlife, as well as South Africa’s reputation as an ethical wildlife destination.
“Today’s granting of interim relief, pending the final judgment of Part A, is another step in making these harms public and ensuring they are given the necessary consideration in wildlife policy.
“As Good Governance’s new report demonstrates, the economic and conservation benefits of trophy hunting are materially overstated. It is not true to assert that without trophy hunting revenues, conservation in South Africa would be unfunded,” Gerrans said.
Gerrans went on to say that everyone has the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that promote conservation.
Meanwhile, the organisation will now await the final judgment on the interim interdict, which is expected in two weeks. A Council will also review all relevant documentation and a court will review the basis of the substantive matter on the quota of 10 vulnerable leopards, 150 endangered elephants and 10 critically endangered black rhinos in 2022.
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