EIA Comments on South Africa 2019 White Rhinoceros Non-detriment Findings

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is writing in response to the invitation to submit information relating to the non-detriment findings (NDF) for Ceratotherium simum simum (Government Gazette No. 42660, Notice No. 1105, dated 22 August 2019).

EIA opposes all domestic and international trade in rhino horn, with the exception of legitimate scientific and law enforcement purposes, and respectfully disagrees with the three main conclusions reached in this NDF that: exports of rhino horn for non-commercial purposes would not be detrimental to the survival of wild rhinos, that it is appropriate to consider a straight Appendix II listing for the white rhino, and that it is appropriate to consider the registration of rhino captive breeding facilities with CITES.

EIA urges South Africa to prohibit exports of rhino horn and rhino horn products for non-commercial purposes and to close its domestic rhino horn market to consistent with the decision adopted at CITES CoP18.