Dwea to study viability of rhino horn trade

The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs (Dwea) has commissioned a feasibility study to look into legalising the rhino horn trade, said department spokesperson Albi Modise. "The department, as part of the outcomes of the Rhino Summit held in October last year, has commissioned a feasibility study on the viability of legalising trade in rhino horn in South Africa."

Modise said that the study's terms of reference have been published and a service provider will be appointed shortly, adding that market research would also be done on global rhino horn markets. It was already a known fact that the market for rhino horns was in the Middle and Far East, Modise said, although "[w]e are not sure about [other] countries or clients who would be interested in buying the horns". Funds raised from the sale of government-owned rhino horn stockpiles would be used for rhino conservation.

Andrew Rossaak, chair of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, has supported the initiative, agreeing that funds raised through legal rhino horn trade could be used to protect rhinos against poaching. "We really support...research [efforts] because there will be a clear understanding of the demand of horns overseas," he said. Since January 1, poachers have killed at least 281 rhinos in South Africa.

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