Govt intends to tighten white rhino export rules

Following the export of 42 white rhinos from Namibia to the USA in a private sale, the environment ministry last week said it aims to introduce stricter exporting regulations.

The 42 white rhinos, purchased from Kifaru Luxury Lodge and Bush Camp near Outjo, landed safely in Texas, USA, after being airlifted from Hosea Kutako Airport and transported on a Boeing 747.

Jaco Muller from Kifaru Lodge and the Rhino Momma Project confirmed the sale, telling Kosmos 94.1 in an interview that the animals were purchased from him by a wildlife trader with an American agent and would be sold to three different buyers.

Romeo Muyunda, spokesperson for the environment ministry, confirmed last week that the ministry had authorised the export of the white rhinos.

“In this regard, we want to clarify the misconceptions that may have been created. We wish to point out and make it clear to the public that the rhinos that are sold are not government-owned but rather privately owned.”

Muyunda said in Namibia the law makes provision for any private person to buy and sell white rhinos, provided it is in line with regulations and the law.

Only black rhinos are strictly owned by the Namibian government, he explained, while Namibian law in its current form does not have a basis to restrict similar transactions.

"However, the ministry is concerned by the high interest of sending white rhinos from Namibia to especially the United States of America for breeding purposes only. We have also noted with concern individuals importing live white rhinos from South Africa to Namibia with a sole aim to further export to the USA for breeding purposes.”

South African laws do not allow for such exports, and Namibia is often used as a conduit for exports.

"However, with the recently issued permit of 42 live rhinos, all are of Namibian origin, as proven by DNA analysis.”

Muyunda said the export of live white rhinos outside the natural range, if not well managed, could be detrimental to the conservation of the species. "Moreover, the ministry sees no conservation value in ex situ.”

Better regulations

He added that in line with the ministry's position and in consultation with Namibian private white rhino owners, a notice will be published in the Government Gazette soon to better regulate the export of live white rhinos outside their natural range.

He added that the population of Namibia’s white rhinos is included in Appendix II for the exclusive purpose of allowing international trade in live animals for in-situ conservation only, within their natural and historical range in Africa.

“However, if the export is outside the natural and historical range, then the export will be treated as species listed in Appendix I which making provision for the trade to be regulated accordingly and species should not be used for commercial purposes. Therefore, the trade in question is done under Appendix I and it is in full compliance,” Muyunda said.

International laws

Namibian Sun could not reach Muller for comment on the matter last week.

However, Muller’s wife Cher shared a clarifying comment on Facebook.

“Currently, Namibia is experiencing a drought, and we are focused on feeding and conserving our rhinos, not exporting young males for hunting,” she wrote.

She said that the majority of rhinos sent to the USA – around 95% – are females, with a smaller percentage being males.

Cher stressed that exporting rhinos, especially for hunting, is subject to strict regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Namibia is a signatory to CITES, which sets international rules for the trade of endangered species, including rhinos.

She said white rhinos from Namibia are listed under Appendix II of CITES, which means they can be traded internationally for specific purposes, including live animals and hunting trophies, but only with proper permits from both the exporting and importing countries.

“CITES does not allow the unrestricted trade of white rhinos, and any exports must meet the requirements that ensure the trade is not detrimental to the species' survival.”

Black rhinos, which are more endangered, are listed under Appendix I, with their trade heavily restricted and generally only allowed under exceptional circumstances (e.g., for conservation purposes), she added.

Cher emphasised that the USA also adheres to CITES guidelines and enforces its own regulations through the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

She explained that the import of rhinos – whether for live trade or hunting trophies – must be approved by both CITES and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

“In Namibia, rhino conservation is carefully managed, and hunting quotas are set based on conservation needs. White rhino hunting is allowed under very limited circumstances, and usually it involves older, non-breeding bulls.”

She explained that exporting rhinos, especially females, for live trade or to support conservation efforts in other countries (such as the USA) is more common. Additionally, the hunting of these exported rhinos or their offspring would not be permitted under CITES if they were exported for non-hunting purposes.

Cher said that according to CITES guidelines, none of the exported animals or their offspring may be hunted unless they are exported under a specific permit for hunting purposes, which seems not to be the case in Namibia’s current conservation efforts.