ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST RHINO SECURITY BOOKLET

Transcription

1 ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST RHINO SECURITY BOOKLET Page 1

2 ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST Building K2, Ardeer Road, Pinelands Office Park, Modderfontein 1609, Gauteng, South Africa. Private Bag X11, Modderfontein 1645, Gauteng, South Africa Tel: +27 (11) Fax: +27 (11) Our Vision A healthy planet and an equitable world that values and sustains the diversity of all life Our Mission The Endangered Wildlife Trust is dedicated to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa to the benefit of all people. A publication of the Endangered Wildlife Trust s Rhino Project. Published by the Endangered Wildlife Trust 2011 (amended 2013). All rights reserved. The tools and information shared through this publication are offered as a public good and may be used freely, but only for non-commercial purposes and not for financial gain. The content of this publication was drawn from a variety of sources and thus do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the EWT. Cover photograph courtesy of Rodney Wyndham Additional copies of this publication may be obtained from the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Please note the content of this booklet, accurate in September 2013, is subject to amendments in legislation and changes in contact details, and might change in the future. Page 2

3 RHINO SECURITY INFORMATION BOOKLET To support landowners and reserve managers in preventing and combating rhino poaching on their properties Contents SCOPE OF THIS BOOKLET 5 1 FOREWORD 6 2 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 7 3 INTRODUCTION 8 4 A SHORT HISTORY OF RHINO ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT THE BLACK RHINO THE WHITE RHINO 11 5 LEGAL ASPECTS PERTAINING TO RHINOS IN SOUTH AFRICA Overview of relevant legislation Provincial NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NEMBA) AND THE THREATENED OR PROTECTED SPECIES REGULATIONS (TOPS) STIPULATIONS PER TAINING TO RHINOS DIFFERENT TYPES OF PERMITS required by the Threatened or protected species regulations Standing permits Ordinary Permits Integrated permits (Section 92 of NEMBA) Applying for permits Convetion on International trade in endangered species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and rhino CITES APPENDICES PERMITS RELATED TO CITES LISTED ANIMALS 22 6 STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RHINO HORN STOCKPILES AND RHINO POACHING CRIME SCENES Rhino horn stockpile management Introduction Storage and security of rhino horn Stockpile register held by the rhino owner Rhino crime scene management Introduction How to preserve a suspected crime scene How to approach a rhino carcass What to do when a crime is in progress What to do when a staff member has shot a suspect What to do if an arrest is made at or near the scene Official investigation at the crime scene 28 7 STRENGTHENING THE SECURITY OF RHINO THROUGH PROACTIVE PREVENTION METHODS INTRODUCTION Principles of security Threat analysis Security plan 32 Page 3

4 7.4.1 Operations room Operations map Guard training and patrols Equipment Information and intelligence gathering Communications 35 8 REFERENCES 36 9 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS APPENDICES 10.1 APPENDIX A APPENDIX B APPENDIX C 44 Contact details for permits & district offices: Eastern Cape Free State Gauteng Kwazulu-Natal Limpopo Mpumalanga Northern Cape North West Western Cape APPENDIX D: NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL COORDINATORS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES RELATED MATTERS APPENDIX E: STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN A CRIME SCENE IS DETECTED APPENDIX F: Procedure for immediate reporting of rhino crime scenes in KZN APPENDIX G: EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS 65 Page 4

5 A publication of the Endangered Wildlife Trust s Rhino Project. Published by the Endangered Wildlife Trust 2011 (amended 2013). All rights reserved. The tools and information shared through this publication are offered as a public good and may be used freely, but only for non-commercial purposes and not for financial gain. The content of this publication was drawn from a variety of sources and thus do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the EWT. Additional copies of this publication may be obtained from the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Please note the content of this booklet, accurate in September 2013, is subject to amendments in legislation and changes in contact details, and might change in the future. ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST Building K2, Ardeer Road, Pinelands Office Park, Modderfontein 1609, Gauteng, South Africa. Private Bag X11, Modderfontein 1645, Gauteng, South Africa Tel: +27 (11) Fax: +27 (11) Rhino Project Manager: Kirsty Brebner kirstyb@ewt.org.za Law and Policy Project Executant: Rynette Coetzee rynettec@ewt.org.za SCOPE OF THIS BOOKLET This booklet was developed to support landowners and reserve managers in preventing and combating rhino poaching on their properties. It further provides relevant information on the history and facts about rhino conservation in Africa, relevant legislation and permit requirements both locally and internationally, and suggests standard operating procedures for rhino horn stockpile management, crime scene management and security of live rhino. It also contains useful contacts and forms for use in the field and is intended as a guide to assist rhino owners and managers to improve security on their properties in a way that is effective and affordable. There is much more information available on the Internet and other literature and where relevant, we have made reference to additional sources of information and urge rhino owners and managers to study these in order to broaden their perspective on rhino management and protection. Page 5

6 2 FOREWORD Between 1820, when the White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) was first recorded by Burchell at Kuruman, and the early 1890s, the species was slaughtered to the point of extinction. Then in 1895 a hunter was hunting at the junction of the White and the Black Umfolozi Rivers and he shot two rhinos, which he believed were Black Rhinos (Diceros bicornis) because the White Rhino was thought to be extinct. To his surprise, the hunter discovered that they were in fact White Rhinos. This led to the proclamation of Umfolozi, Hluhluwe and Lake St Lucia Game Reserves, and the few remaining White Rhino were given legal protection as Royal Game. A long struggle was then to ensure that the species survived, and men like Sir Charles Saunders, Vaughan Kirby, William Foster and Captain H.B. Potter took on the task of protecting the rhino from poachers. From about 50 individuals in 1895, the population increased thanks to the protection afforded by the Parks. In 1952, I joined the Natal Parks Board, and in 1953, conducted the very first aerial count of the White Rhino with ranger Hendrik van Schoor and a pilot Des van der Westhuizen, who worked in the Nagana (Tstetse fly) campaign. This was the first really accurate count of these great, grey, prehistoric beasts and we counted 437. In 1961, we began Operation Rhino and as the then Senior Ranger of Umfolozi Game Reserve, I had the task of organising the team for the capture and translocation of the rhinos. Thanks to Dr A.M. Harthoorn, who came down from Kenya with various drugs, we experimented until a suitable drug was found. Etorphine Hydrochloride (M99) turned out to be a miracle drug, and the capture and translocation began in earnest. Rangers on horseback risked their lives following darted rhino through very dense bush. Horses were gored and men injured while injecting antidotes into the ear. The dedication of the white and the black rangers was a phenomenon that was commented on by many overseas visitors who came to witness the remarkable achievement of capturing these very large animals. There was a great sense of urgency because one diseased cow with Anthrax could have wiped out the whole White Rhino population. Politically, South Africa was also going through unstable times and the possibility of revolution leading to the demise of the rhino was another concern. Men worked day and night, developing new techniques and the White Rhino was beginning to be re-established in its former habitat in KwaZulu-Natal, then the Orange Free State and the Kruger National Park. Thanks to the vigilant anti-poaching in Umfolozi and Hluhluwe, the rhinos continued to increase in numbers, enabling us to restock Botswana and Namibia and Angola and Mozambique. A decision was then made to sell rhino to private landowners with the full knowledge that they would become part of trophy hunting. Thanks to the revenue that the game ranches derived from the rhino hunting, they bought more land, and game ranching became a way of life, and a profitable one too, for farmers who had struggled in the beef industry. In 1970, I undertook a journey to the United Stated, United Kingdom and Europe to sell White Rhino to the open zoos like Whipsnade in England, Wild Animal Park in San Diego, USA and in Florida and Texas, USA. South Africa received huge plaudits for its role in re-establishing the White Rhino throughout southern Africa, including the then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The increase in the White Rhino population as a result of the distribution, and the financial gain by game ranches, put South Africa in the forefront of wildlife conservation on the continent, as well as many other countries. South Africans could truly be proud of what was initiated by the then Natal Parks Board and the way that a wonderful animal had been rescued from the brink of extinction. The recent killing of hundreds of rhino for their horn reflects badly on our country. Game ranchers who have benefitted since the 1970s with the supply of White Rhino, now have a special responsibility to take care of their stock because the current rate of killing, if not halted, could lead the animal to the verge of extinction again. Page 6

7 My congratulations and thanks to all the private landowners who have looked after the White Rhino, and to the Endangered Wildlife Trust, which has taken on the task of helping to coordinate the current anti-poaching drive. Dr Ian Player, September GLOSSARY OF TERMS AfRSG CITES Critically Endangered (in terms of IUCN Red List) Critically Endangered (in terms of Section 56 of NEMBA) DEA Endangered (in terms of Section 56 of NEMBA) EWT Green hunt African Rhino Specialist Group Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild Indigenous species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future Department of Environmental Affairs (National) Indigenous species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, although they are not a Critically Endangered species Endangered Wildlife Trust The practice whereby a paying client darts a rhino with anaesthetics instead of live ammunition, thus immobilising the rhino instead of killing it Issuing authority The Minister or an organ of state in the national, provincial or local sphere of government designated by regulation in terms of section 97 as an issuing authority for permits of the kind in question. IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Red List status The conservation status of the species based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria Moratorium National Moratorium on the domestic trade in rhino horn Gazette No 31899, Notice No In terms of the moratorium, trade of individual rhinoceros horns and any derivatives and products of the horns within South Africa is prohibited from 13 February 2009 until further notice NEMBA National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act No 10 of 2004, as amended NEMLA National Environmental Laws Amendment Act, Act No 14 of 2003 NEMPA National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Act 57 of 2003, as amended NEMPPA National Environmental Management Protected Areas Amendment Act, Act No 15 of 2009 Near Threatened (in terms of IUCN Red List) Norms and Standards A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future Norms and Standards for the marking of rhino horn and hunting of White Rhino for trophy hunting purposes Government Notice R 756 published on 23 February in Government Gazette No Page 7

8 Ordinary Permit Protected (in terms of Section 56 of NEMBA) Rhino A permit issued in terms of NEMBA, of which the maximum period of validity is specified in the ToPS Regulations, and which authorises carrying out a restricted activity in the short-term Indigenous species of high conservation value or national importance that require national protection Both Black and White Rhinoceros. Where a specific species is mentioned in the text, the associated text is then only applicable to that species and excludes any other Restricted activity In relation to a specimen of a listed threatened or protected species, means - (i) hunting, catching, capturing or killing any living specimen of a listed threatened or protected species by any means, method or device whatsoever, including searching, pursuing, driving, lying in wait, luring, alluring, discharging a missile or injuring with intent to hunt, catch, capture or kill any such specimen; (ii) gathering, collecting or plucking any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (iii) picking parts of, or cutting, chopping off, uprooting, damaging or destroying, any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (iv) importing into the Republic, including introducing from the sea, any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (v) exporting from the Republic, including re-exporting from the Republic, any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (vi) having in possession or exercising physical control over any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (vii) growing, breeding or in any other way propagating any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species, or causing it to multiply; (viii) conveying, moving or otherwise translocating any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; (ix) selling or otherwise trading in, buying, receiving, giving, donating or accepting as a gift, or in any way acquiring or disposing of any specimen of a listed threatened or protected species; or (x) any other prescribed activity which involves a specimen of a listed threatened or protected species SOP Standard Operating Procedure SARPCO Southern African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation SAPS South African Police Services Standing permit A permit issued in terms of NEMBA, of which the maximum period of validity is specified in the ToPS Regulations, and which authorises carrying out a restricted activity in the long-term The Constitution The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 ToPS Regulations Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, 2007, promulgated in terms of section 97 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of INTRODUCTION Rhino poaching in South Africa has escalated significantly since 2008 and has spread from historically targeted protected areas to privately owned rhino populations. It can probably be said that the successes of the South African rhino conservation efforts, which ensured substantial growth in Page 8

9 populations of White and Black Rhino over the last 30 years, have now drawn the illicit wildlife traders to our doorstep. In addition, rhino numbers in the rest of Africa have declined to such an extent that South Africa holds about 93% of the African populations of White Rhino, and an estimated 36% of all Black Rhino, making it a potentially attractive target for rhino poachers. This places a high responsibility on South Africa to ensure that the species is adequately protected. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 (the Constitution) places custodianship of our natural resources squarely onto the shoulders of the state. Custodianship means to have charge of something and therefore the state also has the mandate to legislate on matters pertaining to the conservation and protection of our country s wildlife. Further, the state is tasked with providing an enforcement and prosecution framework which is adequate to effectively enforce the legislation. On the other hand, every rhino owner has the responsibility to secure his/her own assets against theft or abuse by employing security measures adequate to effectively minimise or stop theft or abuse. The commercialisation of wildlife thus added a new dimension to wildlife protection in the sense that wildlife has a defined monetary value to the landowner and any loss of a wild animal is a direct financial loss to that landowner. Therefore protection of wild animals, for example rhino, has become a far more pressing issue in recent years. In addition, the ownership of wildlife places an obligation on every landowner to also conserve the species as heritage for our children and children to come. The state and private rhino owners thus share a responsibility to protect rhino in this country and must work together to ensure that strategies are effective. It has been determined from knowledge gained through investigating rhino poaching and horn smuggling that the current threat facing our rhino population comes directly from organised criminal syndicates. Organised crime is defined by Southern African Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCO) as follows: Organised crime means the illegal activities carried out by an organised criminal group or groups of persons, however loosely or tightly organised, operating over a period of time and having the aim of committing serious crimes through concerted action by using intimidation, violence, corruption or other means in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit. Because poaching and horn smuggling happens over international borders it is also called Transnational Organised Crime. On a global scale this type of crime is challenging to keep under control and it will take a huge effort to root out the criminal elements within South Africa s borders. The Endangered Wildlife Trust began actively addressing the poaching threat facing South Africa s rhino population in 2010 through efforts to support private landowners to improve security measures on their properties; to improve communication between landowners and law enforcers, to support law enforcement and investigation operations; and to enhance existing knowledge on the illegal trade of rhino horn, as well as the demographics of rhino populations in the country. 5 A SHORT HISTORY OF RHINO ON THE AFRICAN CONTINENT There are five rhinoceros species in the world of which the White Rhino Ceratotherium simum and the Black Rhino Diceros bicornis occur on the African continent. Three of the four Black Rhino subspecies are listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN s Red Data List and they are slowly recovering from a 90% decline in the 1970s, while the Southern White Rhino Ceratotherium simum simum is listed as Near Threatened Eastern Black Rhino Diceros bicornis michaeli, Southern Central Black Rhino Diceros bicornis minor and Western Black Rhino Diceros bicornis longipes Page 9

10 5.1 THE BLACK RHINO There are four recognised subspecies of Black Rhino: Eastern Black Rhino Diceros bicornis michaeli: Distribution range is Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and an out of range population in South Africa s Addo Elephant National Park. South Western Black Rhino Diceros bicornis bicornis: Distribution range is Namibia, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Southern Central Black Rhino Diceros bicornis minor: Distribution range is South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania; and Western Black Rhino Diceros bicornis longipes: Distribution range is Cameroon but believed to be extinct as of 2006, due to poaching. Black Rhino mother with calf The subspecies indigenous to South Africa is the Southern Central Black Rhino although there are also some Eastern Black Rhino populations present in South Africa. During the 19th century, as European influence over land use and trade strengthened, the Black Rhino was hunted relentlessly across most of central-west and eastern Africa. In southern Africa only two breeding populations of about 110 animals had survived by Poaching pressure escalated during the 1970s and 1980s as a result of the rising demand for rhino horn in Asia and the Middle East. These years were also marked by economic and political instability in a number of range states, which presented commercial poachers with a virtually free hand to hunt rhinos with little likelihood of apprehension. Between 1970 and 1992, the Black Rhino suffered a 96% reduction in numbers. The only two countries to show a net increase in Black Rhino numbers over the period were South Africa and Namibia, where investments in conservation strategies, including monitoring and law enforcement, had been high. Today, due to successful conservation strategies and efforts especially by Page 10

11 the then Natal Parks Board (now Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife), South Africa now holds an estimated 36% of all Black Rhino left on the African continent. Distinguishing characteristics Black Rhino are smaller than White Rhino and weigh between 800 and kg. They stand between 1.35 to 1.65 metres high at the shoulder and can reach between 3 and 3.65 meters in length. Black Rhino are not black in colour, but derive this name as a distinction from the White Rhino. They can be any shade of grey to brown, depending on the local soil colour, in which they wallow. What differentiates the Black Rhino from the White Rhino is primarily its mouth shape and feeding behaviour. The Black Rhino has a prehensile upper lip which enables it to grasp twigs and feed from trees and shrubs. It can easily reach a top speed of 35 km/h over short distances. Black Rhinos can live to 45 years in captivity and between 30 to 35 years in the wild. BLACK RHINO WHITE RHINO m m kg Although the rhinoceros is referred to as black, its colors vary from brown to gray Kg The color of the body ranges from yellowish brown to slate grey. Its only hair is the ear fringes and tail bristles Page 11

12 5.2 THE WHITE RHINO There are two recognised subspecies of White Rhino: Southern White Rhino Ceratotherium simum simum: Distribution range is South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and out of range Kenya, Zambia and Ivory Coast; and Northern White Rhino Ceratotherium simum cottoni: Distribution range is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. White Rhino The Southern White Rhino was once widespread in the bushveld of South Africa. This subspecies was reduced to a mere 20 animals which survived in a small area in the then Natal Province of South Africa. Thanks to years of conservation protection and translocations the species now numbers around 20,150, of which 93.2% occur in South Africa. Its recovery from near extinction has been recognised as one of the major conservation success stories in history. Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe also hold smaller reintroduced populations of the subspecies. The recovery of the Southern White Rhino population is a result of dedicated efforts by conservation authorities who have seen the benefit of spreading the population to other protected areas like the Kruger National Park, and eventually private properties, to maximise the growth potential of the population. These efforts were so successful that private landowners in South Africa currently hold 25% of the population in game farms across the country. Due to these conservation efforts, the Southern White Rhino is now classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN s Red List. The Northern White Rhino is now almost extinct in the wild with only four animals recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Page 12

13 Distinguishing characteristics The White Rhino does not have a white skin colour but can be any shade of grey and can even appear brown depending on where it has wallowed. The term white was derived from the Afrikaans word wyd (meaning wide) and actually refers to the shape of the mouth, which is the distinguishing feature between White and Black Rhino. The White Rhino is identified by its square lip and thus often also called the square-lipped rhino. It uses these square lips to feed on grass and is able to trim grass shorter than a horse. The White Rhino is the second largest land mammal in Africa after the African Elephant. It can weigh between and kg, almost double the weight of a Black Rhino, and stands 1.5 to 1.8 meters high at the shoulder. End-to-end the White Rhino can reach 3.75 to 4.5 meters in length. It can easily reach a top speed of 30 km/hour over short distances. White Rhinos can live up to 50 years in the wild. Page 13

14 6 LEGAL ASPECTS PERTAINING TO RHINOS IN SOUTH AFRICA 6.1 OVERVIEW OF RELEVANT LEGISLATION In this section, a brief outline of existing legislation and its relevance to rhinos and rhino management in South Africa is given. Please note that the content of this section, accurate at time of print, is subject to amendments in the legislation and might therefore change in future. Constitution National Provincial National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) Provincial Acts and Ordinances National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003 National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act 14 of 2003 National Environmental Management Protected Areas Amendment Act 15 of 2009 Figure 1 provides an overview of South African national and provincial legislation relevant to rhino management. According to the Constitution legislating on environmental matters is a concurrent function between the National Government and the nine Provincial Governments. The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA) was passed in November 1998 and came into force in January It is a framework Act covering natural resource use and conservation, pollution control and waste management, and land-use planning and development. NEMA also provides for environmental management principles and Section 2 (4)(a)(vi) specifically states that the development, use and exploitation of renewable resources and the ecosystems of which they are part do not exceed the level beyond which their integrity is jeopardised. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) regulates the management and conservation of South Africa s biodiversity and its components and affords protection to species and ecosystems that are in need of national protection. Chapter 4 of NEMBA as well as the accompanying Threatened or Protected Species Regulations (ToPS) specifically deals with the protection and conservation of listed threatened or protected species as well the trade in threatened species. Section 56 of NEMBA provides for the listing of species that are threatened or in need of national protection; both the White and Black Rhino Page 14

15 are listed. Activities involving these listed species are either restricted or in some cases prohibited. Restricted activities carried out within the national parks, or by officials of South African National Parks (SANParks), are also subject to the provisions of NEMBA and the ToPS Regulations. On a provincial level, all nine provinces have their own provincial Act or Ordinance regulating conservation issues in their area of jurisdiction. Internationally, provisions of the International Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which South Africa is a signatory, aim to ensure that international trade in specimens of animals and plants species is not detrimental for their survival in the wild. These provisions have to be effected in terms of national legislation, hence the development of the CITES Regulations in terms of NEMBA. 6.2 PROVINCIAL Prior to the promulgation of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) and its Threatened or Protected Species Regulations of 2007 (ToPS) rhino conservation was regulated by the various provincial Ordinances and Acts. Many discrepancies exist in the various sets of provincial legislation regarding the conservation and management of our indigenous species. For example, in Limpopo the hunting of White Rhino prior to the ToPS Regulations was allowed with the written permission of the landowner, whereas in another province, the species could only be hunted with a permit issued by the conservation authority. This created a fragmented, uncoordinated and sometimes conflicting 2 approach to wildlife protection. The need therefore existed to move towards a more coordinated national approach. The ToPS Regulations do not replace or repeal provincial legislation, but apply in addition to provincial legislation. The ToPS regulations however only apply to those species that are listed as threatened or protected in terms of the NEMBA, whereas provincial legislation still applies to all species, including those not listed as threatened or protected. Section on integrated permits details the integration of permitting needs in terms of national and provincial legislation. 6.3 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: BIODIVERSITY ACT (NEMBA) AND THE THREATENED OR PROTECTED SPECIES REGULATIONS (TOPS) STIPULATIONS PERTAINING TO RHINOS Both South African rhino species are included in the list of threatened or protected species in national legislation 1. Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis) Endangered species: and White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum) Protected species These species may have a different classification in the provincial legislation, but this does not affect the national classification. Where provincial legislation provides for less stringent measures with regards to rhino than stipulated in the national legislation, the national legislation will apply. For a comparison between the classifications between the national and provincial legislation see Appendix A. 1 Government Notice No R 151 in Government Gazette No of 23 February DEA ToPS Guidelines Government Notice No R 151 in Government Gazette No of 23 February 2007 Page 15

16 NEMBA has declared a number of activities related to rhino as restricted and anyone wanting to conduct any of these activities must have a permit to do so unless the Minister has granted exemption for a specific restricted activity (NEMBA Chapter 1 Section 1 restricted activity ). According to this section no person may undertake any of the following activities with rhino unless he/she is in possession of a permit to do so: hunting, catching, capturing or killing by any means, method or device whatsoever including searching, pursuing, driving, lying in wait, luring, alluring, discharging a missile or injuring with intent to hunt, capture or kill any such specimen; importing into the Republic, including importation from the sea; exporting from the Republic, including re-exporting from the Republic; having in possession or exercising physical control over; conveying, moving or otherwise translocating; selling or otherwise trading in, buying, receiving, giving donating or accepting as a gift, or in any way acquiring or disposing of; or any other prescribed activity which may involve rhinos. Trading in rhino horns: In 2009 the Minister published a moratorium on the National trading in Rhino horns Government Gazette No February Norms and standards for the marking of Rhinoceros and Rhinoceros horn, and for the hunting of Rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes. In 2012 the Minister published the latest set of Norms and Standards relevant to Rhinos Government Gazette No April Of importance: The inclusion of requirements for the collection of samples for DNA profiling; Regarding the marking of rhino horns: the insertion of a micro-chip in any horn acquired through legal dehorning; information required in respect of applications for detached rhino horn possession permits; and marking rhino horns or parts thereof more than 5 cm in length, with indelible ink or punch dye in addition to micro-chipping; Trophy hunting: proof of membership of a hunting association in the country of usual residence of the hunting client; a curriculum vitae indicating his/her hunting experience in his/her country of usual residence; or proof of previous experience in the hunting of African species; and a copy of the hunting client s passport. The ToPS Regulations also list a number of activities as prohibited activities (Regulations 24 and 26 of ToPS) which may not be undertaken by any person and no permits can be issued for these activities. These prohibited activities include but are not limited to the following: hunting a captive-bred rhino that is a put and take animal ; hunting a rhino by making use of a trap (including a gin trap); hunting a rhino in a controlled environment ; hunting a rhino which is under the influence of any tranquilising, narcotic, immobilising or similar agent. In other words it is not in full possession of its senses because of these substances and therefore stands no chance of escaping the hunter on the fare chase principle; Page 16

17 hunting rhino by means of bow and arrow; and hunting a rhino which was born in captivity and which was released on the property unless the landowner provides an affidavit or other written proof indicating the period for which the rhino has been on that property and that the rhino is not a put and take animal. Although both species may be hunted for trophy purposes, Black Rhino hunts are restricted by more stringent measures which emanate from the CITES allocation of five Black Rhino males per annum for South Africa. 6.4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF PERMITS REQUIRED BY THE THREATENED OR PROTECTED SPECIES REGULATIONS Standing permits Standing permits are related to facilities for which registration is compulsory in terms of Regulation 27 of the ToPS Regulations, or to the registration of game farms in terms of Regulation 28 (this registration is voluntary). Standing permits are longer-term permits that allow restricted activities to be carried out on a continuous basis. Standing permits effectively replace the provincial exemption permits or certificate of adequate enclosures with regards to the ToPS species. Landowners who had provincial exemption permits or certificates of adequate enclosure have the option to apply for the registration of their game farms. put and take animal means a live specimen of a captive bred listed large predator, or a live specimen of Ceratotherium simum (White rhinoceros) or Diceros bicornis (Black rhinoceros) that is released on a property irrespective of the size of the property for the purpose of hunting the animal within a period of twenty four months controlled environment means an enclosure designed to hold specimens of a listed threatened or protected species in a way that (a) prevents them from escaping; (b) facilitates intensive human intervention or manipulation in the form of the provision of (i) food or water; (ii) artificial housing; or (iii) health care; and (c) facilitates the intensive breeding or propagation of a listed threatened or protected species, but excludes fenced land on which self-sustaining wildlife populations of that species are managed in an extensive wildlife system; Page 17

18 All ToPS species had to be removed from the provincial exemption permits by the provinces. Please note that rhinos are excluded from standing permits for game farms. All rhino related activities will require ordinary permits applied for prior to the planned activity Ordinary Permits Ordinary Permits are permits issued to authorise restricted activities related to rhino being carried out. Hunting - In terms of the Norms and Standards for marking rhinoceros horn and hunting White Rhino for trophy hunting purposes, rhino species may no longer be listed on standing permits, which means that an Ordinary Permit issued by the Issuing Authority is always needed to hunt a rhino. Conveyance Any movement of a rhino from one location to another may only be done if the person who does the conveying is a registered wildlife trader and a holder of a standing permit, or any other person who is the holder of an Ordinary Permit. Importing into the Republic or exporting from If a person wants to import a rhino from anywhere outside the Republic of South Africa that person needs an Ordinary Permit to do so. This includes any part of a rhino carcass as defined in NEMBA as a specimen. Dehorning (picking parts of or cutting or chopping off any specimen) Dehorning is cutting off a specimen from the live animal (horn) as per the definition of specimen and an Ordinary Permit is therefore needed to dehorn a rhino unless the activity is included on the standing permit for that registered owner of the game farm. All horns which are cut off from the rhino must be registered with the conservation authority and a permit to posses it must be applied for. Having in possession or exercising physical control over - This applies to a free roaming rhino on any property as well as to the parts of a rhino. For example a trophy, piece of skin, horn or any other derivative of the rhino. For any of these items a person must be authorised by an Ordinary Permit to possess such item. In relation to rhino horn the Norms and Standards stipulate that all rhino horn detached from a rhino and in possession of a person must be microchipped in accordance with Regulation 70 of the ToPS Regulations. Selling or otherwise trading in, buying, receiving, giving, donating, or accepting a donation as a gift, or in any way whatsoever acquiring or disposing of any specimen of a ToPS species - A person needs authorisation by means of an Ordinary Permit to do any of these activities. A practical example is to destroy a rhino horn, which is seen as disposing of and is therefore a restricted activity which can only be done with an Ordinary Permit to do so. The Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs also placed a moratorium on the internal sale of rhino horn between South African citizens, and no issuing authority may issue a permit for the selling of rhino horn. Green hunting - Green hunting is a practice whereby a client pays for the opportunity to dart a rhino. This constitutes a restricted activity, as darting has been defined in the ToPS Regulations and therefore a permit is needed. Green hunts are allowed but only when animals need to be immobilised for management or veterinary purposes, and when a valid permit has been issued. The South African Veterinary Council has raised concerns around the ethical aspects of green hunting, and has placed a prohibition on veterinarians participating in green hunts, effective from 1 July specimen means- (a) any living or dead animal, plant or other organism; (b) a seed, egg, gamete or propagule or part of an animal, plant or other organism capable of propagation or reproduction or in any way transferring genetic traits; (c) any derivative of any animal, plant or other organism; or (d) any goods which- (i) contain a derivative of an animal, plant or other organism; or (ii) from an accompanying document, from the packaging or mark or label, or from any other indications, appear to be or to contain a derivative of an animal, plant or other organism. Norms and Standards for the marking of rhino horn and hunting of white rhino for trophy hunting purposes Government Notice R 756 published on 23 February in Government Gazette No National Moratorium on the domestic trade in rhino horn Government gazette No 21301, Notice No. 835 Page 18

19 6.4.3 Integrated permits (Section 92 of NEMBA) An integrated permit may be issued in the case where carrying out a restricted activity requires a permit issued in terms of both the ToPS Regulations and provincial legislation. The issuing authority may issue such an integrated permit in either the provincial or the ToPS permit formats as long as it is in accordance with the stipulations of Section 92 (3) of NEMBA which determines the following: An integrated permit may be issued only if (a) the relevant provisions of this Act and that other law have been complied with; and (b) the permit specifies the (i) provisions in terms of which it has been issued; and (ii) authority or authorities that have issued it. It is important to note that there are no exemptions from any of the provision in the ToPS Regulations and a ToPS permit is therefore always required for a restricted activity Applying for permits Any person may apply for an Ordinary or Standing Permit by lodging an application with the local conservation authority. Appendix C included at the back of the booklet provides a table setting out the various permits required for activities relating to rhino. In addition, Appendix D at the back of the booklet provides contact details for the various permit and district offices. The following diagram illustrates the procedures to be followed when a permit is needed for any of the restricted activities as mentioned in the paragraphs above: ISSUING AUTHORITY MINISTER - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS For activities related to Protected areas Marine species Provincial or national departments Organs of state ISSUING AUTHORITY MEC - PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT For activities related to All activities involving non-marine species and to be carried out by persons not specified in adjacent list APPLICATION FORM Ordinary permits Standing permits Possession permits These forms are available and obtainable from your local conservation authority. APPLICATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY: Written consent from landowner if the species concerned is a listed threatened species (critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) Processing fee (Annexure 5) and species fee (determined by issuing authority) if the activity applied for is hunting Risk assessment (if required by issuing authority) If person applying is disabled and relies on that condition written confirmation from National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa Any other information as requested by issuing authority CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATION Issuing authority must consider and decide application within 20 working days after receiving the application and will either issue the permit or request additional information if needed or furnish the applicant with written reasons as to why the permit application was unsuccessful. Figure 2: Permit application flow diagram (Source: Carrol, T and Boshoff M (2007), Guidelines for the implementation and interpretation of Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations, and the issuance of ToPS permits, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA). Page 19

20 PERMIT APPLICATION APPEALS FLOW DIAGRAM LODGING AN APPEAL An applicant who feels aggrieved by the decision of an issuing authority or a permit holder, whose permit has been cancelled, may lodge with the Minister an appeal against the decision within 30 days after being notified of such decision. The appeal must be submitted to the Director-General of Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and must: Set out the grounds for the appeal; and Attach supporting documentation and the processing fee. MINISTER MUST Consider and decide the appeal; or Redirect the appeal to the MEC for Environmental Affairs in the relevant province to consider and decide the appeal; or Designate a panel of persons to consider and decide the appeal. PROCESSING OF APPEALS The Director-General must acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 14 working days. If an appeal panel was designated, the panel must consider and decide the appeal within 30 days of the panel s designation and inform the Director-General of its decision together with written reasons. DECISIONS OF APPEALS The appeal can be upheld or refused. Make orders as may be appropriate based on the decision. If the appeal is upheld against - o A refusal to issue a permit or registration certificate, the Minister or appeal panel may issue the permit or registration certificate unconditionally or subject to conditions; o A condition subject to which the permit or registration certificate was issued, the o Minister or appeal panel may amend the condition; The cancellation or refusal to renew or amend a permit or registration certificate, restore the permit or registration, renew the permit or registration certificate or amend the permit or registration certificate. When an appeal has been decided, the appellant must be notified, in writing, of the decision within 14 working days of the date the decision was taken. Figure 3: Permit application appeal flow diagram (Source: Carrol, T and Boshoff M (2007), Guidelines for the implementation and interpretation of Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations, and the issuance of ToPS permits, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA). Page 20

21 6.5 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES) AND RHINO South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and therefore agrees to comply with the regulations laid down by the CITES Secretariat. CITES is an international agreement to which States (countries) adhere voluntarily. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. States that have agreed to be bound by the Convention are known as Parties. Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties in other words they are required to implement the Convention it does not take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which must adopt domestic legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the national level. To give effect to this the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs published Regulations 9 in terms of NEMBA whereby CITES regulations were formally incorporated into South African legislation. Widespread information about the endangered status of many prominent species, such as tigers and elephants, might make the need for such a convention seem obvious. But in the 1960s, when the idea for CITES originated, international discussion on the regulation of wildlife trade for conservation purposes was something relatively new. Annually, international wildlife trade is estimated to be worth billions of dollars and includes hundreds of millions of plant and animal specimens. The trade is diverse, ranging from live animals and plants to a vast array of wildlife products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather goods, wooden musical instruments, timber, tourist curios and medicines. The levels of exploitation of some animal and plant species are high and the trade in them, together with other factors, such as habitat loss, is capable of heavily depleting their populations and even bringing some species close to extinction. Many wildlife species being traded are not threatened, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future. 9 Government Gazette No Notice No 173 of March Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES Regulations. Page 21

22 The trade in wild animals and plants crosses international borders, and therefore the effort to regulate it requires international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation. CITES was conceived in the spirit of such cooperation. Today, it accords varying degrees of protection to more than animal and plant species, whether they are traded as live specimens, fur coats or dried herbs. CITES was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The text of the Convention was finally agreed at a meeting of representatives from 80 countries, in Washington D.C., United States of America, on 3 March 1973, and on 1 July 1975 CITES entered into force CITES APPENDICES The species covered by CITES are listed in three Appendices, according to the degree of protection they need. Appendices I and II Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances. The Black Rhino is listed under this appendix and may therefore not be traded internationally. However, during the 13th Conference of the Parties (CoP) held in March 2005, a resolution was passed through which South Africa obtained the permission to hunt five Black Rhino bulls per annum for trophies, and that these hunting trophies are to be exported to the hunters countries of residence. Appendix III This Appendix contains species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade and is not applicable to South African rhino populations PERMITS RELATED TO CITES LISTED ANIMALS A prerequisite for the export of rhino trophies is that the hunt must be proven to have been carried out legally. No illegally acquired trophy shall be exported. It is therefore very important for rhino owners to ensure that foreign nationals hunting rhino on their properties do it in accordance with the law to avoid prosecution of their hunting clients. A permit is needed to legally export a rhino trophy and in terms of the Norms and Standards, only horns that form part of a hunting trophy may be exported. Rhino horns may not be exported in hand luggage. They must be given to a taxidermist for processing and exported by an export company. All horns must also be microchipped before they leave the property where they were hunted and may never be separated from the rest of the trophy STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RHINO HORN STOCKPILES AND RHINO POACHING CRIME SCENES 7.1 RHINO HORN STOCKPILE MANAGEMENT This section of the booklet is based on the document Rhino horn stockpile management, published in May 2005 by Traffic East/Southern Africa, and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of Norms and Standards for the marking of rhino horn and hunting of white rhino for trophy hunting purposes Government Notice R 756 published on 23 February in Government Gazette No Page 22

23 7.1.1 Introduction The management of South Africa s rhino populations by government and private landowners over the past 30 years is globally regarded as very successful and sustainable. During the past few years however, legal hunting of rhino, dehorning, illegal trade of rhino horn and poaching increased drastically and are threatening the sustainable utilisation of this resource. Regulation 70 of the Threatened and Protected Species Regulations (ToPS) drafted in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act No 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) provides for the marking and registration of rhino horn. This has been dealt with in more detail in chapter 7 above. Rhino horn stockpiles in private possession are normally derived from the following sources: Trophy hunting including sport hunted trophies; Natural causes such as natural mortalities; or Management actions such as dehorning. Any person who comes into possession of a rhino horn through any of the above methods must apply immediately in writing to their local provincial environmental authority to have the horns registered, microchipped and permitted. Application forms can be obtained from local provincial environmental offices. In this regard a list of contact details for each province and the DEA is included as Appendix D at the back of this booklet. Also see Figures 2 and 3 above for permit application and appeal procedures. The environmental official will then obtain the following additional information during an inspection of the horn(s) before microchipping: The circumference of the horn at its base; The inner and outer length of each horn; The weight of each horn; and A clear photo of each horn. The landowner will be provided with a copy of the microchip certificate as proof that the horns have been marked. After completion of microchipping, the inspection officer shall submit a comprehensive report to the relevant permits office indicating, inter alia, the following: Particulars of the game farmer; Game farm name and registration number; The reason for restricted activity of rhino horns; Total rhino horns removed and microchipped; Microchip numbers and description; Description of safe storage facilities; and / or the Number of rhino horns destroyed; Method of destruction; Old Micro-chip number if applicable. All this information will be registered in a central database at the provincial permits office. After approval by the permits office a permit will be issued and furnished to the rhino horn owner to possess or destroy the horns as applied for. In the event of destruction of horns, the process will be monitored by the environmental authorities Storage and security of rhino horn Rhino horn stored in private facilities must be stored in secure storage facilities like safes or strong-rooms to prevent theft. To ensure the longevity of the horns they should be stored in a cool dry environment off the floor to prevent infestation by insects and dampness. Insect control can be achieved by using an appropriate registered chemical product. Regular inspections shall be done by the provincial Page 23

24 environmental authority to ascertain whether the horns are still in the permit holder s possession. The access key to the safe or strong-room should be controlled by the landowner or dedicated manager or permit holder. If a rhino horn owner wants to destroy such rhino horn(s), he/she must apply for a ToPS Ordinary Permit for the destruction of the horns (see chapter 6 figures 2 and 3 for application guidelines). In cases where a rhino horn owner has decided to dehorn his/her rhino for security purposes, a ToPS Ordinary Permit needs to be obtained from the provincial authorities. A member of the provincial conservation authority must be present during destruction of the rhino horns and the rhino owner is responsible for making arrangements to this effect. All pieces of rhino horn must be microchipped and permits must be obtained in accordance with Chapter 6 above Stockpile register held by the rhino owner The implementation of a rhino horn register by rhino horn owners is recommended, to ensure accurate auditable information. This, and the permits for the horns in possession of the owner, should be kept safely together. This is especially recommended for larger horn stockpiles. The permits and registry should preferably not be kept in the same location as the horns themselves, but must be kept in such a manner that an unauthorised person cannot gain access to them. The register should as a minimum contain the following columns and fields: Farm name and registration number; Name of the landowner; Entry number; Page 24

25 Date of entry; Locality; Method - Dehorning/Pick up/natural mortality/ Other; Permit details Permit No/Microchip No/Other marking; Horn description - Front,back or unknown; Weight; Outside length; Basal circumference; and Date and particulars of official marking and or inspecting the stockpile. 7.2 RHINO CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT Introduction Rhino poaching is no longer only prevalent in provincial or national parks, but is taking place anywhere rhinos are found. Any person in the field could discover a crime scene involving rhino (or other wildlife) in the field at any time, and all field personnel should be familiar with a few basic rules about what to do in such an eventuality. In the interest of justice it is imperative that rhino owners give basic training to all personnel on the property to ensure that crime scenes involving rhino (or other wildlife) are handled in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This will help the investigating authorities to maximise their ability to get the perpetrators of the crime to court and prosecuted successfully. What the SOPs are intended to achieve: The following actions are generic to every suspected rhino crime scene. The implementation of these actions will: provide for the best possible protection of the crime scene (and thus more likely detection of possible clues for investigators); and enable the provision of all the necessary initial information required by the officials who will attend to the scene in detail. What the SOP is not: The list of actions is not intended to be exhaustive or to turn the person carrying out these actions into an instant crime scene expert. However, a suspected crime scene should be approached in a systematic way, whether by a novice or an expert, so as not to destroy evidence and preserve its integrity. Why the crime scene needs to be approached with care: The basic purpose of crime scene investigation is to collect evidence to prove the participation of an accused in a crime. The collection of such evidence involves a systematic search for and appropriate identification of information, objects or people as: clues; exhibits; or witnesses or suspects associated with the crime. Clues or evidence which is damaged or destroyed can never be replaced. A court can only base its findings on proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and cannot reconstruct a true picture of events as they occurred from defective evidence. It is therefore essential for the first person who arrives at the scene of the crime to secure the area to prevent the loss of clues or exhibits How to preserve a suspected crime scene The following principles should at all times be adhered to when a possible crime scene has been detected no matter how old it seems to be: Page 25

26 The person who arrives at the scene must take control through orderly, objective and rational conduct. All unauthorised persons/inquisitive onlookers/bystanders/family members must be kept away from the scene. They can destroy valuable evidence and prevent successful prosecution of the criminal. The area should be secured and nothing should be handled, moved or removed until the appropriate official has arrived at the scene to begin the investigation. The scene should be preserved in its original state for further investigation thereof. In essence this means that the person is trying to establish: if the animal died of unnatural causes; and/or if the horns have been taken. The answer to these two questions will indicate if a crime has been committed and what further drills to implement How to approach a rhino carcass A maximum of two people should approach the scene in single file. Tread carefully so as not to destroy possible evidence. Approach the scene only as close as is necessary to determine the situation. Try and establish whether the rhino was shot and if the horns remain on the carcass. Mark your approach route and leave by the same route. Do not touch anything which you may find at or near the scene. Page 26

27 Leave two persons to guard the scene from a distance. Contact your supervisor as soon as possible and get further instructions from him. On instruction from the supervisor, the person or patrol who finds the crime scene can walk in a circle, at a distance of at least 50 m around the crime scene in order to establish the approach and departure routes of the perpetrators. Exhibits found along the way should not be touched The perpetrators point of entry and exit to the property and their approach and departure routes are considered part of the crime scene and clear footprints of the perpetrators should be covered with suitable spoor boxes or similar items which can cover and protect them from being destroyed by people or the weather. Be sure not to step onto any visible footprints. Make notes on all observations immediately and take photos of the scene from a distance only. Do not begin your own inspection of the scene. Observations to include in the initial report to the supervisor Are there still perpetrators at the scene? Has an animal been killed? Have the horns been removed? How old is the carcass? In which direction did the perpetrators leave the scene? Where is the crime scene? When did you find the scene? What to do when a crime is in progress If the patrol happens to stumble upon a crime in progress, it is very important to pause for long enough to make accurate observations about the activities of the individuals at the scene. These observations may only take seconds, but will be of critical importance should an arrest be made. Keep your safety and that of your patrol in mind at all times while you make observations and in making your decision as to what to do next. Every attempt should then be made to arrest the perpetrators with minimum force at the scene, or give chase should they flee the scene. If there is any danger for the patrol, especially if the perpetrators are armed and the patrol is unarmed and not trained, patrol members should not attempt to affect an arrest but should rather retract from the scene and notify the supervisor of the situation so that he can get the SAPS and the conservation authority to assist in follow-up and arrest. Should an exhibit be noticed along the way in the pursuit of the perpetrators and this item cannot be guarded or reasonably safely left to be collected later, for example a firearm, then the position must be marked, the firearm made safe and removed by one of the patrol members. This will result in a reduction of the evidential value of the item. The best practice is not to touch anything at the scene, not even a firearm What to do when a staff member has shot a suspect In the event that a staff member has shot a suspect, the following steps should be followed immediately: The SAPS should immediately be notified of the incident and called to the scene as soon as possible. The scene should not be tampered with in any way. This provides vital evidence of the events and may be crucial to the staff member s defence. Page 27

28 In the event of a staff member being arrested, the farm owner or manager should accompany the staff member to the police station and arrange for release on bail or warning. Seek legal advice immediately. Provide spiritual and/or psychological support to the person who shot the poacher to alleviate trauma. It is essential that your legal representative be advised of the incident immediately in order to: Assist with making a statement to the SAPS. Notify insurers in anticipation of a possible claim. Arrange for representation for the staff member at a formal bail hearing or formal inquest should this be necessary. If injuries have been sustained in a possible fire-fight for example, first aid should be given to the injured persons on site and assistance called as soon as possible. In the case of serious injury where the person has to be moved from where he was injured, mark the place by drawing around the person with a stick on the ground What to do if an arrest is made at or near the scene In the event of an arrest being made, remove the alleged perpetrator from the scene immediately, leaving two people behind to guard the scene. If the person is arrested away from the scene, do not bring him back to the scene. If more than one person is arrested, keep them apart from each other and do not allow communication between them. It is also important that the people guarding the arrested perpetrators do not discuss the crime scene with or near, any of the arrested persons. Call law enforcement officials as soon as possible. Please see Appendix B at the back of the booklet for an easy to use breakdown of the recommended steps to be taken when a crime scene is detected. Appendix B can be duplicated and a copy to all relevant staff for ease of reference/use Official investigation at the crime scene This can only be done by a police official or an Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) and in accordance with standard operating procedures as set out by the authorities. It is critically important that landowners, managers and or any employees on the property where the crime was committed do not attempt to do their own investigations on the crime scene other than the preliminary observations described above. Investigating a crime scene is about collecting all the available evidence in such a manner that the integrity of the exhibit is not compromised so that it can be presented to a court of law with the aim of convicting suspects linked to the crime scene. Any contamination of evidence can result in an unsuccessful outcome in subsequent criminal proceedings. Any tampering with the evidence for whatever reason can be construed as obstruction of justice and can lead to criminal prosecution of the person found tampering. It is in the interest of the landowner that this process is adhered to in the strictest manner. Uncontaminated evidence can lead to the successful conviction of the perpetrators and might also afford the landowner an opportunity to take civil action against those who were convicted to recover the cost of his losses. Page 28

29 8 STRENGTHENING THE SECURITY OF RHINO THROUGH PROACTIVE PREVENTION METHODS 8.1 INTRODUCTION Security can be defined as: Freedom from risk or danger; safety. Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear; confidence. The condition of being protected against danger or loss. Measures adopted, as by a business, landowner or homeowner, to prevent a crime such as burglary poaching or assault. Every rhino owner, whether state or private, has to take responsibility for the security and protection of their rhino. The state also has a further responsibility to enforce the laws of the land including environmental laws. One of the security principles in nature itself is security in numbers and we should learn from that. Previous investigations have shown that where landowners consolidated their efforts, there was less crime/poaching, etc. This supports an approach of collaboration and good communication between neighbours as a way to safeguard each individual s assets. You need support from others close to you and also not so close to you. Through good communication, intelligence can be gathered which will afford you the power of decision and to be proactive against any onslaught towards you or your assets. Good Page 29

30 examples of such successful security communities can be found in neighbourhood watches in major cities, towns and rural areas of our country. 8.2 PRINCIPLES OF SECURITY Strengthening security of rhino populations should be based on two things namely: Maximising the risk to poachers; and Minimising their potential rewards. For the rhino owner, the emphasis is on maximising the risk to the poacher in attempting to approach his/ her animals. Make your farm as difficult a target as possible. Maximising the risk is simply to stop incidents from happening on your property by employing any number of activities necessary to detect incursions and to stop poachers before they do the damage. The measure of success would be the absence or reduction in the number of poaching incidents. Minimising the potential rewards includes activities like rhino dehorning, moving rhino to more controllable and safer areas, higher penalties for criminal activities relating to rhino, disruptive tactics and raising awareness amongst local communities to eventually deplore rhino poaching. Some of these activities, such as dehorning, are costly and are also no guarantee for success on their own. It is recommended that conventional security is employed in conjunction with these methods. Some of the methods mentioned may not be relevant for each individual s circumstances. 8.3 THREAT ANALYSIS BusinessDictionary.com 11 defines threat analysis as systematic detection, identification, and evaluation of areas or spots of vulnerability of a facility, operation, or system. Doing a threat analysis for your game farm is a proactive way of approaching the rhino poaching problem which can also illuminate threats against you and your family, staff and other assets. In the field of security, reducing risk is the key goal. Risk is defined by the BusinessDirectory.com as probability or threat of damage, injury, liability, loss, or other negative occurrence, caused by external or internal vulnerabilities, and which may be neutralised through pre-mediated action. The secret of success lies in the word pre-meditated action which is nothing other than a threat analysis in practice. Three elements need to be present to constitute a risk. There needs to be an asset, vulnerability, and a threat. If all three are present you are at risk to experience a crime. Crime can happen when you have a suitable target (asset) = your rhino or rhino horn stockpile, Absence of a capable guardian (Vulnerability) = Anti poaching team or rhino monitors and a likely offender (Threat) = poacher entering your property. The diagram below illustrates the similarity between the risk scenario and the crime scenario. The only way to minimise or eliminate possible crime lies in eliminating your vulnerabilities Page 30

31 Asset Suitable Target Threat Risk Vulnerability Likely Offender Crime Absence of a Capable Guardian Figure 4: Source: Vellani, Karim H. (2010) Crime Analysis for Problem Solving Security Professionals in 25 Small Steps. The execution of a poaching operation consists of three phases, (i) intelligence gathering, (ii) reconnaissance, and (iii) execution of the plan. If the threat can be detected during the first two phases of the operation, proactive measures can be deployed to foil the threat or to arrest poachers before they do damage. The poachers will therefore look for opportunities in the first two phases of their operation planning to target your farm. The most important aspect for landowners is to do a thorough threat analysis of their properties in order to determine the real-time and perceived threats against their assets but also themselves, their family members and their personnel. It is beyond the scope of this booklet to provide a comprehensive guideline for a threat analysis, but in the section below, we outline some of the criteria to consider. The best practice would be to contract a specialist to do such analysis. This is a very important step towards effective security and will lay the foundation of every counter measure you will need to employ in order to mitigate the threats effectively. Any effort or money spared here may be very costly in the longer term. a. Size of the property The size of your property will determine how effective you can be in your patrolling and observation of activities on your farm. The bigger the farm the more difficult and costly it will be for you to patrol or monitor all activities on your property. The ideal situation is to dominate the terrain by adequate patrolling but also to know your farm very well so that you know where possible hideouts may be, or where inaccessible terrain is which may aid poaching gangs. Gangs often stay on properties overnight while poaching. b. Farm borders along public roads Any road bordering your farm should be seen as an opportunity for poaching gangs to gain quick access to the farm. This also provides an opportunity for a quick getaway by vehicle. The gangs use technology extensively and will therefore have good communication enabling them to get assistance from outside the farm when needed. These borders should be priority focus areas for anti-poaching on any farm. c. Difficult terrain Difficult terrain will make it difficult for management of security on properties and will serve as hideouts for poachers. These areas should be known by landowners or managers and should be included in their anti-poaching strategies. These areas should be monitored regularly for suspicious activities. d. Water points and feeding spots These are the places where many rhinos have been shot on private properties. When rhinos and other game congregate to be fed during droughts and winter times they are particularly vulnerable. Page 31

32 Owners and managers must be aware of the dangers around this, especially with the current use of helicopters in poaching. It is easy to see well and far from the air and to take a GPS reading to later guide poachers to these vulnerable areas. Water points and feeding spots should therefore be positioned with due consideration of terrain and access from the perimeter fences and roads. They should be thoroughly monitored for suspicious activities on a daily basis. e. Staff Staff members are often used by poachers to get first hand intelligence on rhino populations, and may even be offered sums of money in excess of their monthly salaries as payment for assistance. Debriefings of arrested poachers revealed this as their modus operandi and this threat should therefore be taken very seriously. Owners and managers should do everything in their power to keep their staff loyal to them rather than the poachers. This can include reward systems for proven information. A good rule of thumb is to never accommodate your anti poaching staff together with your general work force. f. Location of the property The location of your property will determine the threat against your property. If you are in a remote area and not readily accessible from public roads the threat will be less, but never should it be regarded as non-existent. Your anti-poaching activities should be on par with the threats against you at all times and will differ from place to place. g. Lack of or inadequate communication systems Communication between landowners or managers and other staff is of critical importance. When there is cellphone coverage it will aid your operation but also that of the poaching gang. Good communication between key people or components on a farm is crucial in successful early detection and proactive anti-poaching measures. Know where your cellphone reception coverage is on your property and where not. This will help you when there is any crisis on the property which depends on communication to solve. The best communication however is radio communication, which should cover you whole farm to ensure that the patrollers are in contact with management all the time. 8.4 SECURITY PLAN Every landowner or manager should develop a security plan based on the unique circumstances of his or her property and the results of the threat analysis. The objectives of such security plan are: To provide guidelines to assist landowners to address the security threats to their properties. To identify law-enforcement staff training and equipment needs. Provide for intelligence gathering and sharing for private landowners. To ensure quick and efficient responses to poaching incidents, and To pre-plan for successful prevention, detection, investigation and prosecutions of priority wildlife (and other) species crimes Operations room An operational room is simply a room or corner in your office or house from where you can coordinate your security plan. When a crisis happens one needs to know where to get all relevant information to execute the security plan. An incident may even happen while you are on vacation or away from your office and therefore the operational ( Ops ) room should be equipped to provide ready access to all the information an individual unfamiliar with your property will need to respond efficiently in the heat of the moment. The Ops room should: Be secure. The sensitivity and confidentially of the information within the Ops room requires secrecy. While secure, it should be easily locatable so that support services can find you consider signage Page 32

33 and/or staff designated to guide people to you in an emergency. Have functional communication equipment such as radios, telephones and cellphone signals. Have an Ops map. Have your security plan clearly displayed. Have a writing surface, pens and suitable paper for recording vital information as it becomes available Operations map Rhino owners should have a map in their Ops room containing spatial and topographic information for quick reference in times of need. The following should as a minimum be indicated on the map and GPS coordinates should be included for each item where applicable. Access and possible escape routes onto and off the property. Helicopter landing pads and all suitable open spots where a helicopter can land. Water points, habitat, home ranges, grazing and other areas where priority species congregate. Vantage points, cover and areas from which poachers may undertake surveillance of your property/priority species. Location of farm and staff housing. Roads, paths and managing the movement of staff, friends and visitors. Social and congregation areas (shops, recreational areas, bus/taxi stops and routes etc. on and/or close to your property). Neighboring properties, contact details of owners, managers and occupants. Sensitive information provided by informers regarding personalities who may become suspects in your vicinity. Positions (GPS if possible) of old, recent and fresh carcasses. All cellphone contact points on the farm. This information should be accumulated on the map to provide an overall picture of the state of threat and planned response Guard training and patrols Prevention and the early detection of poaching and all other crime on the property should be the function of a well trained and motivated team of guards. Sufficient emphasis cannot be placed on this point. A single herd of White Rhino has a financial value of many hundreds of thousands of rand while they also represent significant revenue potential alive. In light of this, some expenditure on a guard force to protect your investment is justified. If these costs are prohibitive, landowners should consider forming a conservancy with neighbouring property owners to share these costs. All guards must be security vetted before employment. For patrolling to be an effective deterrent against rhino poaching a ratio of one well-trained and adequately equipped person per 10 km² should serve as a minimum guideline. This is especially prescribed for smaller properties where a high threat is experienced and where poaching is often carried out in a hit and run fashion. These individuals should at least be on patrol or undertake other rhino protection duties in the field per month and should preferably not associate with the rest of the farms labour force. It is also preferable that they do not share accommodation with other staff so as to illuminate chances that their strategy becomes known to other staff that may be approached and paid by poachers for info. It is imperative that the patrol strategy remains a secret at all times and it should be the responsibility of the patrol manager to determine the patrolling strategy in such a way that it is never predictable. The element of surprise can be maintained by varying days, times and methods of patrolling the peripheral fences as well as the whole of the farm on a regular basis. Every patrol or other activity carried out Page 33

34 by the anti-poaching team should end in a comprehensive debrief on the results of the activities and must be documented as part of intelligence gathering. Tactics should also include manning overt and covert observation posts from strategic positions on the farm. This would be determined by the lay of the land and should be informed by the results of the threat analysis. It is also very important to ensure diligence in patrolling. The movements and effectiveness of these individuals can be monitored by widely available GPS technology. Effective communication between the guards and management is also an absolute necessity to ensure rapid response to threats as they happen. To allow all of the above to function properly managers should develop a contingency plan for their farms based on the results of the threat analysis. A second and less expensive method of deterring poaching on small properties with small populations of rhino is to have a vetted employee or two trained as a rhino monitor. These monitors are trained to follow rhino without disturbing them and also to look out for sign of any incursions by unauthorised persons. These monitors can also play an important role in gathering data on the movements of rhinos and their habits on a daily basis, which can inform management decisions from time to time. The chance that these monitors will pick up incursions before a rhino is killed is high and there are many examples of such successes in areas of the country already Equipment Properly equipped and clothed guards are in themselves a very real deterrent to poachers who will often move on to softer targets. Equipment, include items such as: First aid. Torches. Basic tools like pliers and spare pieces of wire. Firearms required to effectively respond to an incident. Radios and cellphones to ensure that guards are able to report incidents immediately when they are detected, call for support and obtain direction on how to deal with incidents. GPS s are very affordable these days and can precisely locate the position of the incident for police, emergency and support persons and aircraft that are not familiar with your property. At least one pair of binoculars per patrol. Night sight equipment for observation during the night time (optional due to cost). At least 200 meters of plastic barrier tape. Cold and wet weather gear. Water bottles. Small day ration pack. These should be acquired and appropriate training in their use should be provided to staff Information and intelligence gathering It is important to remember that a poaching operation consists of three phases, (i) information and intelligence gathering, (ii) reconnaissance, and (iii) execution of the plan. If the threat can be detected during the first two phases of the operation proactive measures can be deployed to foil the threat or to arrest the poacher before they do damage. This can only be achieved if landowners initiate their own intelligence gathering networks in and around their properties. Some activities which a landowner can use to get intelligence are: Field ranger or guard patrols. These patrols gather vital field information and intelligence which a manager needs to plan patrol activities. This includes rhino activities, midden activity, waterhole status, mud wallows, suspect spoor, anti tracking conditions, scavenger activities, cellphone contact points, fences, suspicious vehicle movements, and many other activities. Page 34

35 Ensuring that the whole rhino population is DNA-profiled in order to assist enforcement agencies to link suspects after poaching incidents have happened. Collecting field data regarding rhino distribution, behaviour and population dynamics from surveillance by scouts, researchers, owners, tourism and hunting operators into a database. Collecting data on any and all security breaches, and recording the date, time, lunar phase, number of suspects, method used, location of entry and exit points by taking GPS coordinates, take photos of tracks and other evidence and complete an incident register. Developing and maintaining good labour relations with staff, as they are often the best access to reliable information. Maintaining a comprehensive database of all personnel and contractors currently and previously employed on the farm. Red tag all dismissals and suspicious individuals. Security vetting of all staff before appointments are made. Acquiring a database which includes photographs of all known criminals in your area, especially those using firearms in the immediate area. Identifying potential drop-off and pick-up points on access roads that can be monitored. Exercising access control at all entrance gates. Introducing personnel card systems. Developing your own informer reward system, being careful to only pay for proven information. Identifying potential drop-off and pick-up points and cellphone contact points. These are in most cases the same place. The cellphones need to operate for a pick up. The cellphone contact points have in many cases proven to also be observation posts where poachers sit and observe rhino, report to the backup and then shoot. Even in areas where cellphones operate everywhere, there is a tendency to wait for pick-up at a vantage point to observe security activity. This point might even be outside the rhino owner s property on a neighbouring property. Good neighbour relations are therefore very important Communications Communications is where many security plans either succeed or fail. It is therefore very handy to have all relevant telephone numbers at hand and available in the event of a crisis situation to enable you to set your security plan into motion. A good practice is to keep a copy of this booklet in your vehicle or briefcase wherever you go and fill in the section at the back of the booklet with your own emergency numbers. Page 35

36 10 REFERENCES Carrol, T and Boshoff, M (2007). Guidelines for the implementation and interpretation of Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations, and the issuance of ToPS permits, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) (NEMBA). CITES Secretariat, du Toit, R. (ed.), Guidelines for Implementing SADC Rhino Conservation Strategies. SADC Regional Programme for Rhino Conservation, Harare (Zimbabwe), Emslie, R. and Brooks, M. (1999) African Rhino. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC African Rhino Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. ix + 92 pp. IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Diceros bicornis ssp. bicornis. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Diceros bicornis ssp. longipes. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Diceros bicornis ssp. michaeli. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Diceros bicornis ssp. minor. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Ceratotherium simum ssp. cottoni. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version IUCN SSC African Rhino Specialist Group Ceratotherium simum ssp. simum. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version Milledge, S. (2005). Rhino Horn Stockpile Management: Minimum standards and best practices from east and southern Africa. TRAFFIC East/Southern Africa. Vellani, Karim H. (2010) Crime Analysis for Problem Solving Security Professionals in 25 Small Steps. Karim H. Vellani. [Center for Problem Oriented Policing Scene of Crime - Investigation techniques and procedures for the successful investigation of rhino related crimes Potter RB and Evans WW, unpublished SADC Rhino Program training course notes Conway, T. Rhino Security and Management for Private Land-Owners. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Reyneke, C and Jones, P. Security techniques and procedures for private nature reserves with specific reference to rhino protection. White and Black Rhino fact sheets and other relevant information. Page 36

37 11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Dr Ian Player for writing the foreword Faan Coetzee for pulling together all the information contained in this booklet Jack Greeff for reviewing the security section of the booklet The Department of Environmental Affairs for the use of their NEMBA Implementation guidelines for the Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) Regulations Pelham Jones for his support and comments on the booklet in general and the security section in particular Rod Potter for supplying the Standard Operating Procedures on crime scene management and drafting the section on crime scene management Raoul du Toit for contributions on rhino dehorning as a deterrent to rhino poaching Rynette Coetzee for providing the contact details for the various permit and district offices contained in Appendix D as well as updating the information in the booklet Page 37

38 12 APPENDICES 12.1 APPENDIX A National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 10 of Comparative list of ToPS listing compared to the various provincial listings of rhino Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis National Western Cape Listed as an Endangered species in terms of NEMBA isted as an Endangered Wild Animal (Schedule 1) in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act, 3 of 2000 North West Mpumalanga Northern Cape Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 2A) Section 15(1) (Aa)) in terms of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance 12 of Listed as an Endangered Wild Animal (Schedule 1) in terms of the Cape Nature and Environmental Ordinance 19 of 1974 Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 1A) of the Bophuthatswana Nature Conservation Act 3 of 1973 Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 1) Section 4 (1) (a) in terms of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1998 Listed as Specially Protected Species (Schedule 1) in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act, 9 of 2009 Limpopo Gauteng Free State KZN Eastern Cape Listed as a Specially Protected Wild Animal (Schedule 2) in terms of the Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2003 Listed as a Specially Protected Game (Schedule 2A) Section 15(1) (Aa)) in terms of the Transvaal Conservation Ordinance, 12 of 1983 Listed as Schedule 1 Protected Game (section 2) in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 8 of 1969 Listed as Specially Protected Game in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 15 of 1974 Listed as an Endangered Wild Animal (Schedule 1) in terms of the Cape Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, 19 of Listed as Specially Protected Wild Animals (Schedule 1) in terms of the Ciskei Nature Conservation Act 10 of 1987 Page 38

39 White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum National Western Cape Listed as an Endangered species in terms of NEMBA Listed as Endangered Wild Animals (Schedule 1) in terms of the Western Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act, 3 of 2000 North West Mpumalanga Northern Cape Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 2A) Section 15(1) (Aa)) in terms of the Transvaal Nature Conservation Ordinance 12 of Listed as an Endangered Wild Animal (Schedule 1) in terms of the Cape Nature and Environmental Ordinance 19 of 1974 Listed as specially Protected Game (Schedule 1A) of the Bophuthatswana Nature Conservation Act 3 of 1973 Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 1) Section 4(1) (a) in terms of the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act, 10 of 1998 Listed as Specially Protected Species (Schedule 1) in terms of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act, 9 of 2009 Limpopo Gauteng Free State KZN Eastern Cape Listed as Specially Protected Wild Animals (Schedule 2) in terms of the Limpopo Environmental Management Act, 7 of 2003 Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 2A) Section 15(1) (A a) n terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 12 of 1983 Listed as Schedule 1 Protected Game (section 2) and Schedule 3 Specified wild animals (section 14 (2) (a) (i)) in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 8 of Listed as Protected Game (Schedule 1 (c)) in terms of the QwaQwa Nature Conservation Act 5 of 1976 Listed as Specially Protected Game (Schedule 3) in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, 15 of 1974 Listed as an Endangered Wild Animals (Schedule 1) terms of the Cape Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance, 19 of Listed as Specially Protected Wild Animals (Schedule 1) in terms of the Ciskei Nature Conservation Act 10 of 1987 Page 39

40 12.2 APPENDIX B ACTION STEPS BY LANDOWNER/MANAGER PERMIT APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION PERMITS REQUIRED 1 Report the crime immediately to the environmental authority and SAPS Protect the crime scene in accordance with chapter 7 of this document None None Poaching crime scene If Rhino horn is retrieved/found or handed back to legal owner after prosecution Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority with applicable documents of the legal acquisition of the horns ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Possession of rhino horn Register - Micro chipping 2 Natural mortality/pick up Report immediately to the environmental authority Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority with applicable proof of the legal acquisition of the horns ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Possession of rhino horn Register - Micro chipping 3 Possession- Old horns Request inspection by Environmental Authority Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority with applicable proof of the legal acquisition of the horns (previous provincial permits) ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Possession of rhino horn Register - Micro chipping 4 Dehorning management Motivation / management proposal for dehorning must accompany ToPS application Request Inspection by environmental authority Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Capturing and Dehorning of rhino. After dehorning the horns must be registered and application made for possession of the Horns as in paragraph 2 and 3 above. 5 Destroying of horns Motivation / management proposal for destroying must accompany ToPS application Request Inspection by environmental authority (Compulsory) Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority with applicable proof of the legal acquisition of the horns (possession permits, micro chip numbers) ToPS Ordinary Permit. Activity: Destroying Environmental officer be present when destroying horns 6 Movement of horns Motivation / management proposal for the movement must accompany ToPS application Application (ToPS) to Environmental authority with applicable proof of the legal acquisition of the horns ( possession permits) ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Transport / Convey Page 40

41 ACTION STEPS BY LANDOWNER/MANAGER PERMIT APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION PERMITS REQUIRED 7 Sale of horns National Moratorium in place National Moratorium in place Will not be considered 8 Hunting of a white rhino. Apply for a permit to hunt in the name of the hunter to your local conservation authority. Landowner must notify the conservation authority of the hunt date. The hunt must be monitored by an official of the conservation authority. Supply copies of the hunter s passport or ID document as well as the hunting rights for the hunt. International clients must furnish: Proof of membership of a hunting association in the country of usual residence of the hunting client; A curriculum vitae indicating his/ her hunting experience in his/her country of usual residence; or Proof of previous experience in the hunting of African species; and A copy of the hunting client s passport. ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted activity: Hunting of a protected species. 9 Hunting of a black rhino Prior application must be made to the conservation authority to obtain a hunting right to market a black rhino hunt. Landowner must notify the conservation authority of the hunt date. The hunt must be monitored by an official of the conservation authority. Landowner must supply relevant documentation as required from time to time by the provincial conservation authority in line with CITES regulations pertaining to the hunting of Black Rhino in South Africa. Obtain prior written approval to be able to hunt a black rhino bull. International clients must furnish: Proof of membership of a hunting association in the country of usual residence of the hunting client; A curriculum vitae indicating his/ her hunting experience in his/her country of usual residence; or Proof of previous experience in the hunting of African species; and A copy of the hunting client s passport. ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted activity: Hunting of a Specially Protected Species. 10 Export of sport hunted rhino trophies Apply for a permit to export the trophy with the provincial conservation authority. Supply all documentation i.e. Hunting permits, transfer of hunting rights, written permissions from landowners, micro chip certificates copies, and a copy of the CITES import permit from the hunting clients country of residence CITES Management Authority, to the conservation authority together with the application forms ToPS Ordinary export permit, as well as a CITES export permit Page 41

42 ACTION STEPS BY LANDOWNER/MANAGER PERMIT APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION 11 Capture of a rhino Apply for a permit to capture rhino from the provincial conservation authority. Supply the name of the person who will capture the rhino (Normally the Veterinarian) 12 Conveyance of rhino Apply for a permit to conveyance rhino from the provincial conservation authority. This activity can go hand in hand with capturing and a permit can be applied for both activities in one go. Supply the name and personal details of the person who will capture the rhino (normally the veterinarian) 13 Import of a live rhino Apply for a permit to import rhino from the provincial conservation authority. (This permit will also include conveyance of the animal) Supply the name of the person who will import the rhino (Normally the Veterinarian) 14 Export of live rhino Apply for a permit to export rhino from the provincial conservation authority. (This permit will also include conveyance of the animal) Supply all details of the origin and the destination of the rhino. For international exports a CITES import permit is also required from the country of destination. 15 Selling or buying a live rhino Apply for a permit to buy/sell a live rhino Supply the name of the person selling the rhino. Supply the name of the person buying the rhino 16 Keeping in captivity of rhino. Apply to the provincial conservation authority for a permit to keep a rhino in captivity. Furnish the provincial conservation authority with reasons for keeping the animal in captivity. If, for veterinary reasons a report from the vet is needed. 17 Marking of live rhino Apply to the provincial conservation authority to micro-chip all live rhinos not previously marked or where the micro-chip is no longer detectable usually required when selling and transporting rhinos. 18 Marking of rhino horn Apply to provincial conservation authority to mark rhino horn and for a permit to possess loose rhino horns Furnish the provincial conservation authority with information on origin of horns PERMITS REQUIRED ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Catching of a threatened or protected species ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Conveyance of a threatened or protected species ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted Activity: Importing and conveyance of a threatened or protected species TOPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted activity: Export of live threatened or protected species to a foreign country ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted activity: Trading in a live threatened or protected species ToPS Ordinary Permit. Restricted activity: Keeping in captivity of live threatened or protected species. ToPS Ordinary Permit Restricted activity: Possess part of threatened or protected species Page 42

43 ACTION STEPS BY LANDOWNER/MANAGER PERMIT APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION 19 Collecting DNA from rhino horns and rhinos Apply to provincial conservation authority to collect DNA from horns and live rhino during chemical capture of rhino Furnish the provincial conservation authority with information on the reason for chemical capture of rhino. If for veterinary reasons a report from the vet is needed. 20 Green hunting Important note: The Veterinary Council has banned the activity of green hunting and therefore it is prohibited for any veterinarian to take part in a green hunt. Apply for a permit to capture a rhino. Furnish the provincial conservation authority with all personal details of why the rhino has to be immobilised (vet report needed) Also supply the details of the hunting client who will conduct the green hunt. PERMITS REQUIRED ToPS Ordinary Permit Restricted activity: Catching and possessing or having physical control over of a threatened or protected species Will no longer be considered Page 43

44 10.3 APPENDIX C CONTACT DETAILS FOR PERMIT AND DISTRICT OFFICES FOR CONSERVATION RELATED PERMITS (Updated November 2012) EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM (DEAET) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Head Office: King Williams Town (043) (switchboard) (043) (Linda) (086) Private Bag X 0054 Bisho 5605 DISTRICT OFFICES TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Cacadu Region-Port Elizabeth (041) (041) Private Bag X5001 Greenacres 6057 Cacadu Region-Jeffreys Bay (042) (042) P.O. Box 1733 Jeffreys Bay 6330 Cacadu Region - Graaff Reinet ( 049) (086) P.O. Box 386 Graaf Reinet 6280 Cacadu Region- Grahamstown (046) (046) Private Bag X1006 Grahamstown 6140 Amatole Region - East London (043) / 4000 (043) Private Bag X9060 East London 5200 Chris Hani Region - Queenstown ( 045) ( 082) (045) P.O. Box 9636 Queenstown 5320 UKhahlamba Region - Aliwal North (051) (051) Private Bag X1016 Aliwal North 9750 OR Tambo Region - Mthatha ( 047) (047) Private Bag X5029 Mthatha 5059 Alfrend Nzo Region - Kokstad (039) /3257 (039) Private Bag X3513 Kokstad 4700 Page 44

45 Permit forms: Can be obtained from any of the permit offices. Application route: 1. Please contact the permits office prior to applying for a permit. This ensures correct application forms for specified activities. 2. Proof of payment must accompany all applications. 3. Applications can be faxed, ed or hand delivered. 4. Some applications are managed at district/regional level, and approved by the Assistant Director/ Manager of that area. 5. Some applications are initially managed at regional level; recommendations are made and forwarded to head office for approval. 6. Where and when necessary certain applications are routed to the Scientific Section for inputs. These applications are sent to the scientific services officials for inputs and recommendations. 7. If the permit is approved it will be issued. 8. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore of a permit application Page 45

46 THE FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENT (DETEA) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Bloemfontein 051) (Johannes Mosia) (051) (Cindy Kgoboko) (D. Nel) (051) Private Bag Bloemfontein 9300 Permit forms: 1. Can be obtained from the permit offices in Bloemfontein 2. Can be downloaded from the website: Application route: 1. Please contact the permits office prior to applying for a permit. This ensures correct application forms for specified activities. 2. Proof of payment must accompany all applications after a reference number is received from the permit office. 3. Banking details will be supplied on request. 4. Certain applications are initially managed at regional level, and then routed to the Permit Evaluation Committee (PEC) which convenes once a week. 5. If the application is recommended the permit will be issued. 6. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore of a permit application. 7. The applicant may appeal the refusal by submitting a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). 8. The application will be re-examined by the Director/Chief Director and a recommendation sent to the HOD Page 46

47 GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (GDARD) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS PHYSICAL ADDRESS HEAD OFFICE: Johannesburg REGIONAL OFFICE: Pretoria / (switchboard) / / P.O. Box 8769 Johannesburg Diagonal street, Diamond Building, Newtown, Johannesburg Permit forms: 1. Can be obtained from the permit offices in Johannesburg. 2. Can be downloaded from the website: Application route: 1. Please contact the permit offices prior to applying for a permit. This ensures correct application forms for the restricted activity. 2. All applications must be accompanied by proof of payment: Bank: FNB Name: GPG Dacel Cost Recovery Account: Branch: Global Transactional Services Johannesburg Code: Applications can be faxed, ed or hand delivered. 4. Gauteng is divided into a Northern and Southern Region. 5. The Assistant Directors (AD) of each of these regions will receive the permit applications relevant to their regions. 6. Inspections and/or investigations are carried out by the regional officials, recommendations made and the applications are then returned to the ADs. 7. The Deputy Director (DD) of Resource Protection makes the final decision on issuing or denying a permit. 8. Some applications may be routed to the Scientific Services officials for inputs and recommendations. 9. The applicant will be informed in writing should a permit be denied, and the reasons for the denial. 10. The applicant may appeal against the denial by sending a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). 11. The application will be re-examined by the Director/Chief Director and recommendations sent to the HOD. Page 47

48 KWAZULU-NATAL (KZN WILDLIFE) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Pietermaritzburg (033) (033) (033) P.O. Box Cascades 3202 Note: All addresses that end on the list DISTRICT NAMES: Includes municipalities/towns NCO Name LAND LINE Cell Fax *1 Mount Currie Greater Kokstad Pat Lowry *6 Estcourt Umtshezi and Imbabane Zeph Mazibuko None *2 Richmond Mkhambathini, Richmond and Ubuhlebezwe Vacant *6 Lady Smith Okhahlamba and Emnambithi Ephraim Mavuso Ephraim.Mavuso@ *2 Lions River Impendle, umgeni and Mooi Mpofana Kim Gillings Kim.Gillings@ *2 Pietermaritzburg Msunduzi and Mshwathi Vacant *3 Umzimkhulu Umzimkhulu *1 Underberg Kwasani and Ingwe Richard Schutte Richard.Schutte@ *5 Newcastle Amajuba, Utrecht, Dannhauser Zodwa Mnyandu Nobuhle_Zodwa. Mnyandu@ *5 Dundee Umzinyathi, Nqutu Raymond Zikhali Raymond.Zikhali@ *5 Greytown Msinga, Mvothi Nkosikhona Zungu Nkosikhona.Zungu@ *5 Vryheid Abaqulusi Hannes de Bruyn Hannes.de_Bruyn@ *5 Ulundi Nongoma Jabulani Biyela Jabulani.Biyela@ *5 Paulpietersburg Edumbe, Uphongolo Amon Ndlovu Amon.Ndlovu@ *3 South Coast Port Edward to Port Shepstone, Umzumbe Pieter Massyn Pieter.Massyn@ Paddock to Oribi flats, Weza to Harding Aaron Mavuso Aaron.Mavuso@ Page 48

49 *3 Umdoni Municipality & Vulamehlo Hibberdene to Scottburgh, Umzumbe to Jolivet and Umzinto Covered by SC and Durban DCO s at present Vacant *3Durban Renishaw to Tongaat and inland to Cato Ridge Divided into 4 by the N2 and N3 North, south, East and West. DCO Wildlife Prosecutions Vacant North West ethekwini Vacant South East ethekwini Nelly Zulu Nelisiwe.Zulu@ South West ethekwini Wilfred Dlamini Wilfred.Dlamini@ North East ethekwini Mike Tyldesley Michael.Tyldesley@ *4 KwaDukuza Mandini and Stanger Vusi Gumbi Vusi.Gumbi@ *4 Eshowe Eshowe, Melmoth, Mtunzini Edward Khanyile Edward.Khanyile@ *4 Mhlatuze Richards bay, Empangeni and KwaMbonambi Phumla Zulu Phumla.Zulu@ *4 Nyalazi Hluhluwe/DukuDuku/St Lucia Jabulani Mtshali Jabulani.Mtshali@ *4 Mkuze Umkhanyekude & Zululand Vacant Contact *4 Maputoland Jozini and rural areas east to Manguzi Johannes Ntsele Johannes.Ntsele@ SUPERVISORS *1 Conservation manager Ntokozo Cele None Ntokozo.Cele@ *2 Conservation manager Rob Faure Rob.Faure@ *3 Conservation manager Johann Vermeulen Johann.Vermeulen@ *4 Conservation manager Roy Jones Roy.Jones@ *5 Conservation manager Dennis Mkhabela Dennis.Mkhabela@ *6 Conservation manager Alfred Sigubudu Alfred.Sigubudu@ Page 49

50 Permit forms: Can be obtained from any permit office. Note: KZN are amending permit forms. Please contact DCO for more information. Application route: 1. Please contact the permit office prior to applying for a permit. This ensures the correct form issued for the specific restricted activity requiring a permit. 2. Proof of payment must accompany all permit applications. 3. Permits can be faxed, ed or hand delivered to the respective district office. 4. The District Official will conduct the necessary inspection or investigation before making a recommendation. 5. In certain instances the permit office manager may issue/deny the permit. 6. Certain permit applications may need to be sent to the Scientific Services Officials for inputs and recommendations. 7. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial of a permit and the reasons therefore. 8. The applicant may appeal by sending a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). The Director/Chief Director will re-examine the application and make recommendations to the HOD. Page 50

51 LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM (LEDET) LOCALITY OFFICIAL CONTACT NUMBER ADDRESS Sam Makhubele Wildlife Trade and Regulation (086) P.O. Box Deon von Wielligh Wildlife Trade and Regulation (015) Polokwane 0700 Susan Mokgehle Permit Processing (082) Folofelo Netsshisaulu Trophy Hunting (076) Caroline Bopape Trophy Hunting (079) HEAD OFFICE: Polokwane Alder Chimanzi CITES Management (071) Vivian Mazibuko Permit Processing Officer (015) James Baloi Permit Processing Officer (079) Jack Seakamela Permit Processing Officer (082) Lutricia Ledwaba CITES Tags, microchips, tusk number and database management (071) Patricia Maesela Permit books, registers, stamps and revenue management. (071) Khomtso Raphela Permit Registration (015) Page 51

52 LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND TOURISM (LEDET) DISTRICT OF- FICES: OFFICIAL CONTACT NUMBER ADDRESS FAX NUMBERS Capricorn Polokwane Anton van Wetten - Deputy Manager Rosina Rammai - Clerk (015) /3839 (082) VanwettenAA@Ledet.gov.za RammaiMR@Ledet.gov.za Lyle Wiggins - Biodiversity Officer (083) WigginsLR@Ledet.gov.za Phalaborwa Dirk de Klerk Specialist Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) DeKlerkD@Ledet.gov.za (015) Giyani Edward Baloyi Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) BaloyiME@Ledet.gov.za (015) Tzaneen Peter Mokgaphame Clerk (015) (082) MokgaphameMP@Ledet.gov.za (015) Klaserie Bert Howard Specialist Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) HowardA@Ledet.gov.za (015) MN Mametja Biodiversity Officer (015) MametjaMN@Ledet.gov.za (015) Sekhukhune Vacant Deputy Manager Specialist Biodiversity Officer Grobersdal SN Twala Biodiversity Officer TwalaSN@Ledet.gov.za Lebowakgomo Johannes Mahlaela Specialist Biodiversity Officer (082) MahlaelaLJ@Ledet.gov.za Nebo Daniel Manamela Specialist Biodiversity Officer (082) ManamelaMD@Ledet.gov.za Vhembe Cendra Malivhoho Deputy Manager (082) MalivhohoMC@Ledet.gov.za Makhado Lorraine Nemutanzela Specialist Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) NemutanzhelaML@Ledet.gov.za (015) Allan McMurtrie Specialist Biodiversity Officer (082) McMurtrieAR@Ledet.gov.za (015) Musina Leon de Jager Specialist Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) dejagerl@ledet.gov.za Thoyandou Frank Muthelo Specialist Biodiversity Officer (082) MuheloTF@Ledet.gov.za Waterberg Gerhard de Beer Deputy Manager (014) (082) debeerjg@ledet.gov.za (014) Page 52

53 Lephalale Ronnie Haywood Specialist Biodiversity Officer (082) (014) Kenwa Mboweni Biodiversity Officer (014) (014) Modimolle Kobus Pienaar Specialist Biodiversity Officer (014) (082) (014) Elias Nkuna Biodiversity Officer (014) (082) (014) Thabazimbi Lebo Maloka Biodiversity Officer (014) (014) Mokopane Jan Ntlama Biodiversity Officer (015) (082) (015) Loffie Malherbe (015) (082) (015) Page 53

54 Permit forms: 1. Can be obtained from any permits office. 2. Can be obtained from the website: Application route: 1. Please contact the Permit Service Centre prior to applying for a permit. This will ensure that the correct form is completed for the restricted activity requiring a permit. 2. EFT payments can be made to the banking details below BUT only after they obtained a Departmental reference number from the Revenue Management component [see details of Ms Maesela above]. All applications must be accompanied by proof of payment: Bank: FNB Account holder: DEDET Account: Branch: Polokwane Code: Applications can be ed or hand delivered. 4. The District Biodiversity Officer will do the requisite inspection or investigation prior to making a recommendation. 5. Certain permits may be authorised by the district office Deputy Manager. 6. Certain permits, after initial inspection and recommendation, need to be forwarded to head office for further evaluation. 7. Some permit applications may require inputs or recommendations from the Scientific Services Officials. 8. The permit will be issued on final approval. 9. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore when a permit is denied. 10. The applicant appeal against the denial by submitting a written communiqué to the MEC. 11. The Appeal Panel will re-examine the application and make recommendations to the MEC. 12. Payment for permits is made with the submission of the permit application. Hunting permits need to be paid when the permit application is authorised. Page 54

55 MPUMALANGA TOURISM AND PARKS AGENCY Please note that the Parks and Tourism Agency only deal with permits regarding plants and animals. For other permits contact The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET) on (013) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Nelspruit Permit applications (013) Annah(013) Narriman (013) April Lukhele (Manager) (013) (013) Private Bag X11338 Nelspruit 1200 DISTRICT OFFICES: TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Lydenburg (013) (013) Private Bag X 1088 Lydenburg 1120 Loskopdam (013) Ermelo (017) Johan Coetser (017) Private Bag X 9068 Ermelo 2350 Middelburg (013) Permit forms: Can be obtained from any of the permit offices. Application route: 1. Please contact the permit office prior to applying for a permit. This will ensure that the correct form is completed for the restricted activity requiring a permit. 2. Applications can be faxed, ed or hand delivered. 3. The District Conservation Officer will do the requisite inspection or investigation prior to making a recommendation. 4. Certain permits may be issued by the district office Manager. 5. Certain permits, after initial inspection and recommendation, need to be forwarded to head office for further evaluation. 6. Some permit applications may require inputs or recommendations from the Scientific Services Officials. 7. The permit will be issued on final approval. 8. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore when a permit is denied. 9. The applicant appeal against the denial by submitting a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). 10. The Director/Chief Director will re-examine the application and make recommendations to the HOD. 11. Payment must accompany all permit applications. Page 55

56 NORTHERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, TOURISM AND CONSERVATION (DTEC) LOCALITY Kimberley - HEAD OFFICE DISTRICT OFFICES: TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS (053) (086) Private Bag X6010 Kimberley 8300 TELEPHONE FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS NUMBERS Upington (054) (054) P.O. Box 231 Upington 8800 Kuruman (053) (053) P.O. Box 2249 Kuruman 8460 Calvinia (027) (086) P.O. Box 476 Calvinia 8190 Karroo (053) (053) Private Bag X1014 De Aar 7000 Permit forms: Can be obtained from any of the permit offices. Application route: 1. Please contact the permit office prior to applying for a permit. This will ensure that the correct form is completed for the restricted activity requiring a permit. 2. Applications can be faxed, ed or hand delivered. 3. The District Conservation Officer will do the requisite inspection or investigation prior to making a recommendation. 4. Certain permits may be issued by the district office Manager. 5. Certain permits, after initial inspection and recommendation, need to be forwarded to head office for further evaluation. 6. Some permit applications may require inputs or recommendations from the Scientific Services Officials. 7. The permit will be issued on final approval. 8. The applicant will be informed in writing of the denial and the reasons therefore when a permit is denied. 9. The applicant appeal against the denial by submitting a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). 10. The Director/Chief Director will re-examine the application and make recommendations to the HOD. 11. Payment must accompany all permit applications. Page 56

57 AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT NORTH WEST PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT (THE DACERD) Please note for landowner permission to conduct research on any of the reserves please contact the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) on (086) LOCALITY Mmabatho - HEAD OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS (018) /5169 FAX NUMBERS DISTRICT OFFICES: OFFICIAL CONTACT NUMBER Ngaka Modiri Molema (Mafikeng) District: Mafikeng Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District: Potchefstroom Sindisiwe Zwane (018) (082) Elizabeth Swart (018) (lesegodi) (082) POSTAL ADDRESS (018) Private Bag X2039 Mmabatho ADDRESS FAX NUMBERS zwanes@nwpg.gov.za (018) swarte@nwpg.gov.za (018) Bojanala District: Rustenburg Dr. Ruth Regomotsi Mompati District: Vryburg Constant Hoogkamer (014) David Manganye (053) hoogkamerc@nwpg.gov.za (014) manganyaned@nwpg.gov.za (053) Permit forms: 1. Can be obtained from the permit offices. 2. Can be obtained from the website: Application route: 1. ToPS and CITES permit applications - proof of payment to accompany application. 2. Provincial permits - payment made on receipt of permit. 3. Applications can be faxed, ed or delivered to the district permit office. 4. District conservation officials (DCO) will do the necessary inspections and investigations, prior to recommending a permit. 5. The DCO sends the application with the relevant recommendation to the Manager of the district office. 6. Some permits can be approved by and issued at the district office. 7. Where necessary the application may be referred to the Scientific Division for inputs and recommendations. 8. The applicant will be informed in writing should the permit be denied and the reasons therefore. 9. The applicant may appeal against the refusal by submitting a written communiqué to the Head of Department (HOD). The application will be re-examined by the Director/Chief Director and a recommendation sent to the HOD. Page 57

58 WESTERN CAPE (CAPE NATURE) Please note that Cape Nature issue all permits regarding plants and animals. For all other permits please contact the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development on (021) LOCALITY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FAX NUMBERS POSTAL ADDRESS Athlone (021) /0118/0121/0123/0122/ Private Bag X29 Gatesville 7766 Permit forms: 1. Can be obtained from the permit office in Athlone. 2. Can be obtained from the website: Application route: 1. Applications can be posted, faxed, ed or hand delivered. 2. Proof of payment must be attached. 3. Where necessary the application will be sent to the Conservation Services Manager of the various districts, for investigation or inspection. 4. The application is returned to the permit office in Athlone, with the investigating official s recommendations. 5. Where necessary the application may be referred to the Scientific Services component for inputs and recommendations. 6. The permit can be issued by any of the five officials in the Athlone Office. 7. The applicant will be informed in writing should the permit be denied and the reasons therefore. Page 58

59 10.4 APPENDIX D NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL COORDINATORS OF ENDANGERED SPECIES RELATED MATTERS: DIRECTORATE FOR PRIORITY CRIME INVESTIGATIONS (HAWKS) SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES OFFICERS NAME DESIGNATION CONTACT DETAILS Colonel Johan Jooste National Commander Endangered Species Section: Office of Serious Organised Crime: DPCI Head Office (082) joostejohan@vodamail.co.za Colonel Hans Smith Operational Commander Endangered Species Section: Office of Serious Organised Crime: DPCI Head Office W/O Malan Gauteng (011) /85, (082) Capt Mabotja Limpopo (082) / (015) Captain Chris du Plessis Stock Theft Unit (082) Colonel Johan Brits Mpumalanga (082) / (013) Warrant Officer Kevin Singh KZN (082) / (031) Capt Rutters Eastern Cape (043) / (082) Colonel Buks Strydom Western Cape (021) / (082) (082) smith.hans@rocketmail.co.za malanclaude@saps.gov.za limprov.det.mabotja@saps.gov.za Brits5@saps.gov.za singhk2@saps.gov.za RuttersWX@saps.gov.za strydomjj@saps.gov.za buksstrydom@vodamail.co.za Lt. Colonel Barkie Barkhuizen Northern Cape (053) / (082) Lieutenant Kitty Taljaard Free State (051) /3626/ (071) Lt Col Makuoane North West (018) / (071) nc.provcomm.orgcrime@saps.gov.za Fs-provorgcrime@saps.gov.za MakuoaneRP@saps.gov.za Sergeant Estie von Hagen INTERPOL DESK (079) Lt. Colonel Herman Espach FORENSICS (082) espach@saps.org.za ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT INSPECTORS RHINO CRIMES Jaap Pienaar Werner Boing Stony Steenkamp Roderick Potter Chief Enforcement Officer Biodiversity (Eastern Cape Province) Control Biodiversity Officer Compliance monitoring, enforcement and permit office (Free State Province) Deputy Director Enforcement and Compliance (Gauteng Province) Senior Enforcement Officer Biodiversity (KZN-Wildlife) (040) / (082) (051) / (082) jaap.pienaar@deaet.ecape.gov.za boing@detea.fs.gov.za (082) Stony.Steenkamp@gauteng.gov.za (082) rpotter@kznwildlife.com Page 59

60 Riaan de Jager (After hours) Juan de Beer Pieter van Niekerk Basie Diole Paul Gildenhuys Manager Biodiversity Enforcement (Limpopo Province) Manager Biodiversity Enforcement (Mpumalanga Province) Assistant Director Biodiversity Compliance and Enforcement (Northern Cape Province) Deputy Director Biodiversity Permitting and Criminal Investigations (North West Province) Manager Biodiversity Enforcement (Jonkershoek) (Western Cape Province) (083) (013) / (083) juan@mtpa.co.za (079) pietervn@ncpg.gov.za (082) BDiole@nwpg.gov.za (021) /(082) pgilden@kingsley.co.za Page 60

61 10.5 APPENDIX E STEPS TO BE TAKEN WHEN A CRIME SCENE IS DETECTED (DUPLICATE FOR ALL STAFF ON THE PROPERTY) Observations to include in the initial report to the supervisor Are there still perpetrators at the scene? Has an animal been killed? Have the horns been removed? How old is the carcass? In which direction did the perpetrators leave the scene? Where is the crime scene? What to do when you approach a rhino carcass A maximum of two people to approach the scene in single file. Tread carefully so as not to destroy possible evidence. Approach the scene only as close as is necessary to determine the situation. Try and establish whether the rhino was shot and if the horns remain on the carcass. Mark your approach route and leave by the same route. Do not touch anything which you may find at or near the scene. Leave two persons to guard the scene from a distance. Limited further actions which may be undertaken at the scene, only on instruction by the supervisor Establish approach and exit routes of the perpetrators by walking in a circle around the scene. All objects found should not be touched but their positions must be marked clearly. All footprints must be protected by suitable containers like boxes to protect them from damage by the elements. Make sure not to step onto footprints while you move about. What to do when a crime is in progress Pause for long enough to make accurate observations of the activities of the persons at the scene. While observing and making decisions about what actions to take consider your own and your group s safety. If the perpetrators are armed and you and your patrol are unarmed, retract from the scene in safe way and report the incident immediately to your supervisor so that he can call on assistance from the police. Make every attempt to arrest the perpetrators with minimum force. If a pursuit takes place and any object is detected along the way it should be regarded as possible What to do if an arrest is made at or near the scene In the event of an arrest being made, remove the person from the scene immediately, leaving two people behind to guard the scene. If the person is arrested away from the scene, do not bring him back to the scene. If more than one person is arrested, keep them apart from each other and do not allow communication between them. What to do when a staff member has shot a suspect The SAPS should immediately be notified of the incident and called to the scene as soon as possible. The scene should not be tampered with in any way. This provides vital evidence of the events and may be crucial to the staff member s defence. In the event of a staff member being arrested, the farm owner or manager should accompany the staff member to the police station and arrange for release on bail or warning. Seek legal advice immediately and do not make statements before you have legal advice. It is essential that your legal representative be advised of the incident immediately in order to: Assist with making a statement to the SAPS Page 61

62 10.6 APPENDIX F Procedure for immediate reporting of rhino crime scenes in KZN. (updated ) An initiative of the KZN Wildlife Crime Working Group (KZNWCWG) resulted in a provincial meeting to address the unlawful hunting of rhino in the Province of KZN. The KZNWCWG have put into place a Rhino Task Team from South African Police Service (SAPS), Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) and the KZN Prosecuting Service. The persons to be immediately contacted when a rhino carcass is discovered: Maj. MJ Mbatha ( ) Rhino Task Team Leader W/O Kevin Singh ( ) Co-ordinator Rhino Task Team Clement Ngcobo ( ) EKZNW Manager Investigations Cedric Coetzee ( ) EKZNW Rhino Security Co-ordinator The Rhino Task Team with the assistance of the Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) and Local Crime Record Centre (LCRC) KZN Provincial Office, will be responsible for the collection of evidence from rhino crime scenes. DO NOT touch anything seen at or near the crime scene. The relevance of that item may only become obvious at a later stage. Please ensure that all persons at the crime scene follow the necessary actions at the crime scene as detailed below. In order to enable the optimal collection of evidence, the following basic rules regarding the crime scenes must be observed: 1. The group of people finding the carcass should not approach the carcass any closer after having sighted it: if a crime cannot be determined from the point where the carcass was first sighted, then only 2 people to approach close enough to determine that a crime has been committed, and no closer. For example, if it can be seen that the horns have been taken off the carcass from 200 meters away, there is no need to go any closer. Report the matter and stay away from the crime scene! The persons making the first observation must mark the route they take from the point of first sighting to the point where they stopped approaching the carcass and must return along the same route to the place where the carcass was first sighted. 2. If the carcass is fresh and there may be footprints which must be followed immediately, two members to do one single file 360 degrees patrol around the carcass looking for the exit tracks. They must mark the route taken around the carcass and it should be about meters away from the carcass in radius, depending on terrain. 3. All other people to wait at the point from where the carcass was first sighted and not to walk around at all. 4. Be very aware that while waiting for the Rhino Task Team to arrive and sheltering under a tree, the place where you are standing could be the same point where the poachers sheltered and therefore withdraw as far as practical from the scene while waiting (the people waiting only have to be close enough to the carcass to prevent scavengers from approaching.) Page 62

63 5. No disrespect intended for any person but NOBODY must approach the carcass until the members of the Rhino Task Team have arrived. Other persons who may be contacted are the following: Rod Potter ( ) National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU) Tony Conway ( ) EKZNW Chairman Rhino Management Group Wilfred Mhlongo ( / ) NWCRU representative Sibusiso Kunene ( ) EKZNW Wildlife Investigations W/O Riaan v Rooyen ( / ) (Pietermaritzburg) W/O Gerhard Oosthuizen ( ) (Pietermaritzburg) W/O JP Roux ( / ) (Durban) W/O Nzama ( ) (Richards Bay) Cst Mngomezulu ( ) (Richards Bay) W/O Koos Prinsloo ( / ) (Port Shepstone) Capt Renier van der Sandt ( ) Forensic Ballistics Amanzimtoti W/O Gumede ( ) Forensic Ballistics Amanzimtoti Capt S Madhunlall ( ) CSI Provincial Office Capt Ntshangase ( ) CSI Richards Bay W/O Ndlovu ( ) CSI Richards Bay Sgt Neil van der Merwe ( ) CSI Richards Bay When dealing with the media, please note the following. Private land owners are requested to limit any reporting of the incident to no more that confirming that an incident has occurred and that it is under investigation. Please liaise with the member of the Rhino Task Team who is appointed as the Investigating Officer in your case before releasing any further information about the incident to the media. Any deviation from the above may destroy evidence or jeopardize the investigation. We need to apply one set of rules for everyone. Please help us to help you! Page 63

64 Page 64

65 10.7 APPENDIX G EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS MEDICAL SERVICES (Insert appropriate numbers) SERVICE TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER AIR SERVICES SERVICE TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER Page 65

66 ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF, SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE AND RELATED SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER RED LINE SAPS ORGANISED CRIME SAPS DOG UNIT SAPS (insert local SAPS) SANDF Insert additional for your area Farm Watch Security Company ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL SERVICE NAME TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER Local DCO District Conservation Manager Wildlife Investigations Officer NEIGHBOURING LANDOWNERS NAME FARM NAME TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER NEIGHBOURING COMMUNITY LEADERS NAME POSITION TELEPHONE CELL NUMBER Page 66

67 NOTES Page 67

68 The Endangered Wildlife Trust As a leading high-profile player amongst the large number and variety of conservation organisations in South Africa (governmental and civil society), the EWT fills the key niche of conservation action, through applied field-work, research and direct engagement with stakeholders. With specialist Programmes and a large team of skilled field staff deployed throughout southern Africa, the EWT s work supports the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems. Priority interventions focus on identifying the key factors threatening biodiversity and developing mitigating measures to reduce risk and reverse the drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation. Through a broad spectrum of partnerships and networks, the EWT responds to the key threats driving species and ecosystem loss by developing innovative methodologies and best practice guidelines which support reduced impact, harmonious co-existence and sustainable living for all. Vision A healthy planet and an equitable world that values and sustains the diversity of life Mission The Endangered Wildlife Trust is dedicated to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa to the benefit of all people. The EWT fulfils its mission by: Initiating and implementing conservation research and action programmes; Preventing species extinctions and maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; Supporting sustainable natural resources use and management; Communicating the principles of sustainable living and empowering people by capacity building, education and awareness programmes to the broadest constituency; and Taking a strong leadership and advocacy role in promoting environmental and social justice. Page 68

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80 Private Bag X11, Modderfontein, Johannesburg, 1645 Tel: Fax: The Endangered Wildlife Trust was established in 1973 and is registered as a Non-profit Organisation. Registration number NPO and PBO number Page 80