The Northern Cape High Court dismissed the government's application for leave to appeal a prior ruling that requires export permits for rhino horns. The move potentially revives debate on legal international trade in rhino horn, which has been prohibited since 1977.
The court decision, issued last week, compels the government to consider authorising permits for about 500 rhino horns from Rockwood Conservation to buyers in Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, the US and Vietnam. Rockwood Conservation owner Wicus Diedericks said the applications were filed to test the waters for legal trade. He added that proceeds would fund protection efforts for privately held rhinos.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment stated the minister is reviewing the judgment and may petition for further appeal. Private Rhino Owners Association data show that close to 70 percent of South Africa's roughly 16,300 rhinos are now held by private owners.
Conservationists remain divided. Dr Jason Gilchrist of Edinburgh Napier University noted the longstanding conflict between trade and non-trade approaches to protecting the species under CITES rules. Opponents argue legal sales could increase demand and complicate enforcement against illegal horn.