Govt to tighten rhino export rules after private sale to USA

Following the export of 40 white rhinos from Namibia to the USA in a private sale, the environment ministry says 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, this week after being airlifted from Hosea Kutako Airport and transported on a Boeing 747.The rhinos reportedly left the country on Tuesday afternoon.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, also confirmed the sale to the Namibian Sun, adding that the price of a live rhino is estimated at around N$500 000.Meanwhile, Muller told Kosmos 94.1: “The amounts mentioned in the media reports are the same that we received from the trader. In Namibia, anyone can go to see the auction prices, and those prices mentioned by the government are not close to that amount.” Namibian Sun could not reach Muller for comment this week to comment on the matter.However, Muller’s wife Cher shared a clarifying comment on Facebook this week.“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.Strict regulations in placeCher 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 generally listed under Appendix II of CITES. This 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.“In both cases, if the rhinos are being exported as part of a hunting or live trade agreement, it must be demonstrated that this trade will not negatively impact the population.”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.Drafts Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) president Axel Cramer told Namibian Sun the organisation had been aware of the sale for several months now.“We do not agree with the sale because it is African wildlife that must stay in Africa," he said.Nevertheless, he said Napha understands that people sometimes do not have any other choice, because they cannot trade with rhino horns, so they have to increase anti-poaching efforts. Muyunda further stressed that this is a private sale and no money will go to the government.He said that they will in the future work on stronger regulations for exporting rhinos outside of the country that will further restrictions.“So far the law lacks that, but there are regulations that we have already started drafting to put restrictions on the exporting of rhinos.”The application for permits to export the rhinos to Texas was made in January.

Govt to tighten rhino export rules after private sale to USA

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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Govt to tighten rhino export rules after private sale to USA

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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