Please provide some indication of the size of the lion bone industry in South Africa.
The industry has been allowed to grow unregulated and unchecked for many years. Since 2008, nearly 7 000 lion skeletons weighing 70t have been exported from South Africa to South East Asia for use in Asian traditional medicine practices. The vast majority of exported lion skeletons (98%) are destined for Laos and Vietnam, which are known hubs for illegal wildlife trafficking, including that of South African rhino products and/or derivatives. From there the bones are sold regionally, with China and Vietnam being the biggest consumers.
Since 2017, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has set a legal annual export quota of 800 lion skeletons from the captive lion population, making South Africa the largest legal exporter of lion bones and skeletons. The 2019 quota is still pending from the now Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries (DEFF).
The setting of this legal lion bone quota lacks a sound scientific basis and is driven solely by the economic principle of supply and demand: South African lion breeders can produce more lion skeletons than the set quota and have built up stockpiles.
How does this compare with the overall size of the lion breeding industry?
The number of lions bred in captivity has increased markedly over the past 20 years. In 2009 there were more than 3 000, according to the South African Predator Breeders’ Association, and by 2015 the DEA estimated that 6 000 lions were held in more than 200 facilities. Today, there are possibly 8 000 to 10 000 lions in more than 300 facilities. If the industry is allowed to grow unchecked, this number could well reach 12 000 to 20 000 predators in the next five years.
Denne historien er fra November 29, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra November 29, 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
