Vetnews | Julie 2024 8 « BACK TO CONTENTS What are the legal implications of being involved in Pangolins? According to CITES CoP17, 2016, all pangolin species are Appendix I – no trade allowed animals. Article II, paragraph 1 of CITES, “Appendix I shall include all species threatened with extinction, which are or may be affected by trade” The species found in Southern Africa is the Temminck’s Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii). They are being brought into South Africa from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique as well as locally sourced, often in Limpopo Province. They are locally protected by the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004 (with 2013 revisions). The Temminck’s Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is nationally listed as a Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS). A fine not exceeding ZAR 10 million] or imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years, or both such a fine and prison sentence may be imposed. In Gauteng Province, this species is listed as Protected Game (Schedule 2), section 15(1) (a) in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 12 of 1983. The result hereof is that I can be and have been subpoenaed to appear as an expert witness in court cases where sentences of up to 10 years imprisonment have been reached. I have to travel to rural courts and am under the constant awareness that I testify against poaching syndicates which have proven to be dangerous. Customdesigned courses and workshops are presented by the African Pangolin Working Group, to South African Police, (the Hawks), anti-poaching units, Department of Environmental Affairs - Green Scorpions, prosecutors, magistrates and customs (SARS) PortsAuthorities. These are presented around the country. All confiscated animals get a SAP 13 evidence number that it keeps until the release of the animal. It means that a complete trail of records has to be kept for each animal and their whereabouts be traceable at any time during the treatment, rehab and release process. v Leading Article
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