EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTARY ON THE PROPOSED 2021 BLACK RHINO HUNTING QUOTA

THE SUGGESTED 2021 BLACK RHINO QUOTA

EXCERPT FROM THE EMS FOUNDATION SUBMISSION:

Black rhino status quo as contained in the NDF

Black rhinos are included in Appendix I of CITES. In terms of Article Ill of CITES, an export permit shall only be granted for a specimen of an Appendix I species (e.g. in the case of a hunting trophy) when a Scientific Authority of the State of export has advised that such export will not be detrimental to the survival of that species. In accordance with Article III and the CITES Regulations, a Draft NDF for black rhino was published for comment in 2019 (“Draft Rhino NDF”).

In terms of threats to the black rhino population and the impacts of trophy hunting on the survival of the species, the Draft Rhino NDF notes that:

• Ongoing loss of rhino to poaching for their horn is currently the most immediate threat to South Africa’s black rhino population.
• Permanent removal of black rhino from the national population through trophy hunting is predominantly economically motivated…
• The current overall species conservation benefit associated with trophy hunting of black rhinoceros is low.

Trophy hunting of black rhino should not be contemplated

The African Black Rhino remains Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and there is no room for complacency. There is an urgent need for them to be protected not killed. It is counter intuitive therefore, to suggest a hunting quota for black rhino in South Africa especially while private rhino owners and the government are seeking ways to lobby for funds locally and abroad in order to protect the last remaining South African black rhino.