The implications of the reclassification of South African wildlife species as farm animals
Date
2020-01-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ASSAf
Abstract
The Government Gazette No. 42464 dated 17 May 20191 amended Table 7 of the Animal Improvement Act (Act no. 62
of 1998), which lists breeds of animals, to include at least 32 new wild animal species, including 24 indigenous
mammals. The list includes threatened and rare species such as cheetah, white and black rhinoceros, and suni. Some
alien species such as lechwe, various deer species and rabbits are also included. The cornerstone of the original Act
is ‘To provide for the breeding, identification and utilisation of genetically superior animals to improve the production
and performance of animals in the interest of the Republic; and to provide for matters connected therewith.’
By declaring these wild animals as landrace breeds (in Table 7 of the regulations), the Act implies that they are
locally developed breeds. The Act typically provides for landrace breeds to be bred and ‘genetically improved’ to
obtain superior domesticated animals with enhanced production and performance. Similarly, provision is made
for the Breeders Association to lay claim to the breed and to establish specific breed standards for animals to be
included in stud books. Animals declared as landrace breeds can also be used for genetic manipulation, embryo
harvesting, in-vitro fertilisation and embryo transfers. As indigenous species of wildlife are included in the recent
amendment to the Act, the amendment is flawed.
Here we point out numerous concerns in the new legislation, including the process of consultation, and argue
that the law will not improve the genetics of the species mentioned but will have considerable negative genetic
consequences and pose ecological and economic risks. We also suggest that this new law is in direct conflict with
other biodiversity laws in South Africa.
Description
CITATION: Somers, M. J. et al. 2020. The implications of the reclassification of South African wildlife species as farm animals. South African Journal of Science, 116(1/2):7724, doi:10.17159/sajs.2020/7724.
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
Keywords
Game breeding -- South Africa, Wildlife conservation -- Law and legislation, Wildlife economy, Game farms -- Economic aspects --z Africa, Southern, Environmental law -- South Africa
Citation
Somers, M. J. et al. 2020. The implications of the reclassification of South African wildlife species as farm animals. South African Journal of Science, 116(1/2):7724, doi:10.17159/sajs.2020/7724.