Media Statements

WHO calls on global governments to ban the live sale of wild mammals in food markets

The World Health Organisation (WHO) called on national authorities to suspend the trade in live caught wild mammal species for food or breeding purposes and close such sections of food markets as an emergency measure. To reduce public health risks associated with the sale of live wild animals for food in traditional food markets, the…

SATSA releases a solid set of home-grown captive wildlife interaction guidelines

The first locally born guidelines on captive wildlife interactions, specifically developed in the context of Southern Africa’s landscape, were launched yesterday by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA). The guidelines are the result of a year-long study and consultation with the wider tourism industry. The travel industry and tourists alike are looking for ways to…

Reclassification of 33 wild mammal species under the Animal Improvement Act

On the 17th May 2019, the former Minister Senzeni Zokwana of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries made an amendment to the Animal Improvement Act, 1998 (Act No. 62 of 1998) (AIA) to include 33 wild mammal species, commonly bred by wildlife ranchers, under Table 7 of these regulations. The AIA is enacted “to provide for the breeding, identification and utilisation of…