Protected species and Zi,babwe

From: Ellen Connelly ellen.connelly74@gmail.com

Hyes re the wild dog it is mind boggling that they are not specially protected. Consider also that they are  not even listed as CITES II or I, which makes them open to trade. South Africa have exported quite a number of Wild dog to the east in recent years, mostly to private collectors, but if one were cynical one could say that they probably end up as a speciality on the menu..... The only reason these exports are not publicised is because  they are NOT CITES listed and therefore there is no legal basis to halt them on. Wild dog are also quite easy to breed in captivity. Should any of the readers wish to learn more about their status and what is being done in Zimbabwe, please contact Painted Dog Conservation at info@painteddog.org

This is one of the many issues that bear discussion with CITES,  how their protocols seem to work for some species and not others. Think about it, it certainly hasn’t help rhino at this stage.  

There is a point here that needs to be clarified;

The term “Specially Protected Species” has been designated by the Government of Zimbabwe and although it may correspond to the global status of the species, it may also only relate to the status of these  animals, birds and plants in our country.

The original specially protected species, as well as problem animals etc, were determined when the Parks & Wildlife Act were written, mid 70’s. This section of the Act has never actually be addressed since it was written, although populations etc have definitely changed since then. Case in point is the python, which is actually quite abundant at the moment but it is also a culturally significant animal and therefore remains specially protected.

Finally, a comment  with regards tortoises;

Stigmochelys pardalis or Leopard Tortoise has been listed as CITES Appendix II since 1975. (http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html)

Kinixys belliana or Bell’s Hinged Tortoise has also been listed as CITES appendix II also since 1975 (http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html)

As I pointed out earlier – CITES status certainly does not ensure protection! Also, in the case of tortoises and a lot of other smaller creatures, we do not have current accurate population data. As with anything that relates to regulation, we cannot correct legislation unless it is backed by solid scientific proof of the dilemma.  Please see below the criteria that regulate CITES Appendix II species:

Appendix II

Appendix II, about 21,000 species, are species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction, but may become so unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict regulation in order to avoid utilization incompatible with the survival of the species in the wild. In addition, Appendix II can include species similar in appearance to species already listed in the Appendices. International trade in specimens of Appendix II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. In practice, many hundreds of thousands of Appendix II animals are traded annually. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES, although some Parties do require import permits as part of their stricter domestic measures. A non-detriment finding and export permit are required by the exporting Party.

Kind regards,

        Ellen Connelly

    +263 712 208 356

                  PVO 42/11