PRETORIA- ANIMAL protection organisations have criticised the decision by the High Court in Pretoria to upheld a decision to lift the ban on buying and selling rhino horn within South Africa.
The decision effectively legalises trade in rhino horn.
Humane Society International (HSI) believes the recent decision further threatens the existence of the endangered species.
“This is a gravely disappointing move by the High Court of Pretoria that could not have come at a worse time for the survival of this species,” says Teresa Telecky, Wildlife Director for HSI.
“Amid a rhino poaching crisis and increased international efforts to reduce demand for rhino horn, this ruling will do nothing whatsoever to protect rhinos, and only serves to benefit those parties with vested interests who seek to commodify rhino horn, and who stand to profit greatly as a result.”
She notes that while only about 29 000 rhinos are left in the world, some 1 215 were poached in South Africa alone in 2014.
“This is the year in which poaching rates will likely overtake the rhinos’ natural rate of reproduction; the tipping point towards extinction for these iconic animals.
“Rhinos are wild animals who need to be protected so that they may grace our planet for years to come, not be treated as a commodity to be bought and sold out of existence,” adds Telecky.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says it “regrets” the decision made in Pretoria.
“The High Court ruling is a serious blow,” says Dr Jo Shaw, Rhino Programme Manager for WWF South Africa.
Shaw adds there no market for rhino horn in South Africa, so lifting the domestic moratorium can only encourage illegal activity, especially as it is likely to be misconstrued as a lifting of the current international trade ban.
“Efforts should rather be focussed on actions to stop the organised criminal syndicates involved in rhino horn trafficking as well as good regulation of existing rhino horn stockpiles and increased capacity at ports of entry and exit to detect illegal wildlife products,” Shaw recommends.
Rhino horn trade has been outlawed in the country since 2009, and internationally since 1977.
Last week, it was reported the number of rhinos poached for their horns in South Africa fell last year for the first time since 2007.
According to government, there were 1 175 cases in 2015, compared to the record number of 1 215 in the previous year.
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