Good news for the Eastern Cape

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Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Bushviper » Tue Mar 04, 2014 4:36 pm

Considering we have just been having our hobby pummeled by people who are clueless this has come as breath of fresh air. I was given draft guidelines for the Reptile and Amphibian policy in the Eastern Cape.

Considering that many species are outlawed and permits are required for common pet species this is the most dynamic legislation I have seen proposed in a long time.

Read through it carefully and if you require answers please post them here. Do not be disrespectful to the people who have gone to great lengths to make life easier for you. If you have suggestions please place them here as this will all be forwarded to the correct authorities on Thursday 13 March at 24h00. If you feel you think for example American alligators should be allowed on permit then submit the suggestion and give a reason why. These WILL be considered by the authorities. Please put who you are and if you live in the EC Province when you comment. This will not be used against you and I give you my word on that. It is just for legislative purposes anonymous comments are often ignored.

DRAFT OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN CAPTIVITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

Table of Content:

Glossary of terms

1. Maintenance of reptiles and amphibians for private, educational, research or conservation purposes:

2. Enclosure, husbandry & permitting guidelines for reptiles and amphibians:
2.1. General Captivity permit requirements
2.2. Conditions for Import into and Export out of the Eastern Cape
2.3. Permits for exotic reptiles, venomous and dangerous species
2.4. Permits for educational displays and shows
2.5. Amphibians in captivity (Indigenous and exotic)
2.6. Permits refusal

3. Collection of wild specimens
3.1. For catch and release of problem reptiles
3.2. For trading purposes
3.3. Confiscated indigenous reptiles
3.4. Indigenous reptiles voluntarily surrendered to parks and other institutions by members of the public

4 Reintroduction release of reptiles and amphibians
4.1. Disposal of animals


5 References

Appendices:

Appendix 1 General captivity permit requirements

Appendix 2 Species not requiring permits

Appendix 3 Species requiring permits

Appendix 4 Prohibited species

Appendix 5 Register to be used by persons in possession of a catch and release permit

Appendix 6 Captivity register

Glossary of terms:

CITES: Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species

Dangerous reptile: Any reptile which under normal circumstances is capable of causing human fatality and or serious injury due to its size. This would include all pythons and boas reaching lengths of greater than three (3) meters, and large lizard species reaching lengths greater than one (1) meter.

Educational display and shows: For the purpose of educating the general public about the ecological value and diversity of herpetological fauna.

Exotic reptile & amphibian: Any reptile or amphibian which does not naturally occur within the borders of South Africa

Extra-limital species: Species occurring outside its natural distribution range

Herptefauna: For the purposes of this Operational Guideline refers to all reptile and amphibian species both exotic and indigenous

Indigenous reptile & Amphibian: Any species of reptile or amphibian that has its range or part of its range within the borders of the republic of South Africa

Public facilities: Any state or para-state or not for profit park or zoo also including commercial exhibit facilities where the public are able to learn about reptiles or amphibians in a captive setting.

Reptile husbandry and handling course: A course presented by a person or company who is registered with the Department and accredited by either The South African Pet Traders Association, FAGASA or PAZAAB, that covers the husbandry and handling of venomous and dangerous reptiles.

The Department: Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism

TRAFFIC: Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce

Venomous reptile: In this policy refers to any reptile species that on record has caused human fatality or is capable of producing medically (serious) symptoms from an envenomation


THE DEPARTMENTS OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ON REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVINCE

1. Maintenance of reptiles and amphibians for private, educational, research or conservation purposes

The Department does not support or encourage the keeping of non-domestic animals in captivity. However, the Department recognizes the fact that, besides any research considerations, the maintenance and care of reptiles and amphibians can be fulfilling and educational. Accordingly, it views its responsibilities to include the improvement of their welfare, husbandry and understanding in captivity. Therefore, the Departments Operational Guideline in this regard is as follows:

1.1. Stipulates that anyone keeping reptiles and amphibians is to strive to achieve the highest possible standards of health and welfare of the animals.

1.2. Will not authorize the keeping of venomous reptiles, or potentially dangerous reptiles by anyone without the required competency certificates, received from the attendance of a reptile husbandry and handling course

1.3. Does not support nor encourage the feeding of live mammalian, reptile or amphibian prey to captive animals. No indigenous species of any kind may be collected for prey items for the maintenance of captive reptiles or amphibians

1.4. Strongly advises that where animals are kept in captivity, they should, where possible, be of captive-bred origin. Should animals need to be obtained from the wild, all requirements regarding permits for their collection, keeping, transport, export and import must be complied with at all times.

1.5. The Department does not support captive breeding programmes for the re-introduction of reptiles and amphibians to areas where they once used to occur or to restock areas where populations have become depleted.

1.6. The Department encourages and supports approved scientific research which is beneficial to the well-being of the reptiles and amphibians of the Eastern Cape Province.

1.7. No person may without the required permits keep, capture or transport any indigenous reptile species. All permits must contain the common as well as the scientific name of the species referred to on the permit.
1.8. All enclosures used to keep reptiles in captivity must comply with the specifications contained in Appendix 1.
2. Enclosure, husbandry & permitting guidelines for reptiles and amphibians:

2.1 General captivity permit requirements:


2.1.1. Appendix 1 contains the requirements for keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity

2.1.2. The keeping of reptiles and amphibians in urban areas must be in accordance with the regulations, if any, of the relevant Local Authority concerned.

2.1.3. Should any person wish to dispose of animals in his / her possession, permits must be obtained from the Department. No reptile or amphibian kept in captivity may be released into the wild.

2.1.4. Under no circumstances will a permit be issued to any person under the age of 18 to keep any venomous or dangerous reptile species.

2.1.5. The premises where the reptiles or amphibians are kept may be inspected at any reasonable time by any authorized official.

2.1.6 The Department recognizes that from time to time veterinary care may be required for captive reptiles, and that issuing of transport permits may in some cases not be feasible. In these cases the custodian of the reptiles or amphibians may use his captivity permit for the purpose of transporting the animal to receive care but must notify the local Department office prior to the animal being transported via phone call, SMS or email.

2.1.7. No Indigenous reptiles or amphibians may be hybridized with other indigenous species or exotic species. Any such hybrids will be confiscated and euthanized.

2.1.8. Correct scientific name of the species must be supplied with each application for a permit

2.1.9. In the event of any reptile requiring a permit escaping or being stolen this must be reported to the Department within 24 hours.


2.1.9.1. Any decrease in the numbers of reptiles and amphibians requiring a permit for whatever reason (death, theft etc.) must be reported to the Department within 24 hours.
2.1.11 Any increase in the numbers of reptiles and amphibians requiring a permit must be reflected on a Captivity register, see Appendix 6

2.2. Conditions for Import into and Export out of the Eastern Cape

2.2.1. Import: from abroad

(a) Reptiles and amphibians which are alien to the Eastern Cape Province may be imported for private, educational and/or research purposes on condition that animals will:
i. come from an authorized supplier (All necessary permits including CITES permits where applicable, must be supplied)
ii. be kept in accordance with Appendix 1, and
iii. may never be released.
iv. Are not on the prohibited species lists of the NEMBA: Alien And Invasive Species Regulations or the prohibited species list (Appendix 4) for the Eastern Cape Province

(b) All import of reptiles must comply with all veterinary health requirement guidelines.

2.2.7. Import from other provinces (Local)

a) Both indigenous and exotic reptiles may be imported into the Eastern Cape Province, unless they are prohibited by the NEMBA: Alien and Invasive Species Regulations or the Provincial prohibited species list.

2.2.8. Export:

(a) Offspring of reptiles and amphibians legally bred in captivity, breeding stock on loan to other institutions, surplus animals in captivity, as well as reptiles and amphibians collected under permit may be exported to bona fide recipient individuals and/or institutions, such as, private individuals, museums, zoos, reptile parks, universities, or other scientific institutions.

(b) All CITES regulations concerning the export and import of captive-bred and wild-caught animals must be complied with.

2.3. Permits for exotic reptiles, Venomous and dangerous species

2.3.1. Only exotic reptiles excluded from the NEMBA: Alien and Invasive Species Regulations or the Provincial prohibited species list will be allowed in the Eastern Cape. See appendices 2,3&4

2.3.2. Permits will be required for all venomous exotic reptile or reptile species considered to be dangerous as well as any reptiles not mentioned on Appendix 2

2.3.3. Any exotic prohibited or restricted reptile will be euthanized when confiscated or be donated to an approve scientific institution

2.3.4. Where a private individual, public or private enterprise is found to be in contravention of the requirements of appendix 1, the captivity permit shall be withdrawn and where possible the animals be donated to public facilities or alternatively the animal/s shall be euthanized.

2.3.5. All permits for exotic species must include the following conditions, if a particular species is moved to the Prohibited National Lists of the NEMBA: Alien and Invasive Species Regulations the permit holder must:

a Surrender the animal to conservation to be euthanized or donated to a scientific institution/public facility, and no compensation shall be due for any animals, or,

b Alternatively the custodian may export out of the country such exotic species only to countries which have issued an import permit for that particular species.

c The custodian of the particular species will have a 30 day window period in which to dispose of the said species.

2.3.6 The Department will publish a notice when a reptile/amphibian is moved to the NEMBA: Alien and Invasive Species Regulations Prohibited Lists

2.3.7 Permits will not be required for species listed on Appendix 2.


2.4. Permits for educational displays and shows

2.4.1. Anyone applying to be registered to do such shows must have completed a venomous and dangerous reptile husbandry and handling course.

2.4.2. Any person wishing to do educational shows with reptiles must first register with the Department.

2.4.3. No exotic venomous snakes may be used for any educational show unless the Department is supplied with sufficient motivation as to the benefits of such.

2.4.4. No dangerous reptiles or amphibians may be used for any educational show unless the Department is supplied with sufficient motivation as to the benefits of such.

2.4.5. This section excludes owners of parks/zoos who do these shows on their premises and who have done the required reptile husbandry and handling course.

2.4.6. Venomous or dangerous reptiles must, during transit be placed in sealed bags inside sealed, well ventilated and escape proof boxes (only wood or plastic boxes are acceptable) each box must be labeled with the number of and species contained.

2.5. Amphibians in captivity (Indigenous and exotic)

2.5.1. Due to the risk of spreading disease and the potentially disastrous effects it could have on indigenous amphibian populations, no permit to keep in captivity, or import from other Provinces or International sources, for exotic amphibians, into the Eastern Cape, even for limited time periods will be considered for private individuals.

2.5.2. Permits may be considered for indigenous amphibians if obtained from captive bred sources, these may only be acquired for amphibians indigenous to the Eastern Cape.

2.5.3. No import or captivity permit will be granted for indigenous amphibians coming from other Provinces.

2.5.4. Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog or platannas) require permits in captivity.

2.6. Permits refusal
Permit applications will be refused if:

2.6.1. The applicant does not comply with the requirements of Appendix 1

2.6.2. The applicant has not supplied the correct information on the application form, for example the scientific name of the reptile or amphibian concerned

2.6.3. The applicant has not completed the necessary reptile husbandry and handling course for venomous or dangerous reptile or amphibians snakes or is under the age of 18.

2.6.4. The applicant, if not the property owner, does not have a letter of consent from the property owner in the case of dangerous or venomous reptiles.

2.6.5. The applicant has previously been convicted of an offense with regards to the possession, utilization or transport of reptiles and amphibians (this applies for a period of five (5) years)

2.6.6. The applicants permit may be revoked if he/she is proven to be handling or housing reptiles in an unsafe manner or does not comply with Appendix 1

2.6.7. The applicant is applying for any exotic amphibian, including indigenous amphibians exotic to the Eastern Cape

2.6.8. The applicant is applying for any of the species on the national prohibited list

2.6.9. The applicant cannot prove legal origin of an indigenous species


3. COLLECTION OF WILD SPECIMENS:

3.1 For catch and release of problem reptiles:

3.1.1. If a person wants to remove problem reptiles in a built up area that are a threat to the inhabitants there, he must apply to the Department in writing for a permit to capture and release wild animals.

3.1.2. No person may without a valid catch and release permit, in anyway, attempt to remove/capture or kill any problem reptile or amphibian.

3.1.3. The reptiles caught must be reflected on a register which must be signed by the affected property owner/tenant. See Appendix 5

3.1.4. The permit holder is not authorized to keep any of these animals as they should be released immediately within a 1km radius of where they were found.

3.1.5. Alternatively applications for the keeping these reptiles and amphibians permanently in captivity (caught with bona fide catch and release permits) will be considered, only under the following conditions:


a) The reptile and amphibians cannot be released due to injury that will permanently prevent it from being able to live in the wild.

b) The reptile and amphibians has sustained injuries that need treatment and will require it to be kept in captivity for extended periods.

c) The reptile and amphibians is healthy but collected in an area where its release would not be suitable as it would more than likely become a problem animal again and/or pose a danger to inhabitants. (This must be applied for in writing within 24 hours of collecting the reptile).

d) The applicant complies with the requirements in Appendix 1.

e) The catch register of the applicant must be attached to the application for permanent captivity.

3.1.5. The catch and release permit has the following conditions which must be complied with:

a) The applicant must be over the age of 18
b) The applicant must have completed an approved reptile husbandry and handling course
c) The permit holder may under no circumstances keep any reptiles in his /her possession where release was a feasible option - this will result in termination of the permit.
d) The permit holder must keep an accurate register of which reptiles are removed.
e) The applicant must have facilities where captured reptiles can be kept, completely separate from any existing reptiles owned. This facility must have its own dedicated handling equipment.
f) All indigenous reptiles which can be released must be released immediately and where this is not feasible within 24 hours.

3.1.6. Permanent captivity permits will also be considered where reptiles are removed from development sites and the applicant can show that it would be impractical to release the specimens again.

3.1.7. From time to time indigenous reptiles may be found out of their range, for example snakes or lizards, particularly geckos climbing into motor vehicles and thus being removed from their home ranges. In this case the person attending to the problem reptile may apply for a permit to keep it in captivity, or donate it to a suitable institution. If both these alternatives are not available the animal must be euthanized.

3.2. For trading purposes:

3.2.1. The Department doesn’t support the trade in wild-caught indigenous reptiles and amphibians for commercial purposes, and therefore will not consider applications to exploit reptile and amphibian resources of the Eastern Cape Province commercially, for the local, national and international pet trade.

3.2.2. No permit will be considered for collection for the sole purpose of commercial trade.


3.3. Confiscated indigenous reptiles

3.3.1. Due to the possibility of genetic pollution, these animals cannot be released. In the case of all reptiles these may be donated to facilities able to sufficiently house and care for the reptiles. If no such facility can be found the animals must be euthanized.

3.3.2. All tortoises and terrapins must be taken to a local approved animal sanctuary where members of the public or institutions capable of caring for the animals will have an opportunity to rehome the reptiles on permit. Under no circumstances may these reptiles be sold.

3.3.3. Members of the public will be restricted to one tortoise per household upon a successful inspection outcome for these applications

3.4 Indigenous reptiles voluntarily surrendered to parks and other institutions by members of the public

3.4.1. The owner/ manager of the facility must complete a register which the person who surrendered the animal will have to fill out.

3.4.2. The following details will need to be included in the register, persons full name, residential address, where the animal originally was acquired, ID number of the person surrendering the animal, telephone or cell phone contact details of the person.

3.4.3. The Department must be informed as soon as such an animal is received, this can be done via SMS or email

3.4.4. The Department will either remove the reptile and place it in temporary holding or allow the facility to keep the reptile with the necessary permits.

3.4.5. The same adoption policy as used in section 3.5 will be used to rehome excess tortoises

3.4.6. The above does not exempt the donor from possible prosecution

4. Reintroduction and release of reptiles and amphibians:

a) Danger of genetic pollution far outweighs any benefits, none of our reptiles require this type of action currently. The Department recognizes that habitat loss is a key driver in species extinction and reduction in numbers. Therefore breeding for reintroduction purposes is not feasible currently.

b) The Department strongly supports the principle of genetic conservation with regard to the translocation of herpetofauna in the Eastern Cape Province therefore no reptiles or amphibians alien to the Eastern Cape Province may be released, and also no reptiles or amphibians indigenous to the Eastern Cape Province either bred in captivity or maintained in captivity may be released into the wild.

c) Reptiles confiscated from illegal collectors, where there is clear evidence of locality and where the reptiles and amphibians have not been in contact with other captive reptiles and amphibians, should be released where they were acquired

d) Problem reptiles removed from urban situations or development sites should be where at all possible released immediately within a 1km radius of their site of capture

e) Due to the threat of introducing pathogens or vectors of disease into otherwise healthy populations, no reptiles or amphibians, especially those which have been taken from captivity, should be translocated and released into conservation areas.


4.1 Disposal of reptiles and amphibians

a) Reptiles and amphibians not requiring permits (See Appendix 2) can be donated to recognized holding facilities such as zoos, or captive breeding centers, other educational facilities or private individuals
b) Reptiles and amphibians for which permits are required can be donated to recognized holding facilities such as zoos, or captive breeding centers, other educational facilities or private individuals provided that all necessary permits are obtained prior to disposal
c) Any person releasing any reptile or amphibian from a captive situation into the wild can be prosecuted

5 REFERENCES

Branch, W.R. (Ed.) 1988a. South African Red Data Book - Reptiles and Amphibians. S. Afr. National Scientific Programmes Report No. 151. CSIR, Pretoria.

Branch, W.R.1988b. Bill Branch’s field guide to the snakes and other reptiles of Southern Africa. Struik. Cape Town.

Ginsberg, J. and Brautigam, A. 1995. Disposal of confiscated animals: developing guidelines for the placement of confiscated animals. Re-Introduction News (IUCN Species Survival Commission): 10: 4-5.

Greig, J.C. 1979. Principles of genetic conservation in relation to wildlife management in southern Africa. S. Afr. J. Wildl. Res. 9: 57-78.

Groombridge, B. 1988. World checklist of threatened amphibians and reptiles. Nature Conservancy Council, United Kingdom.

Groombridge, B. 1993. 1994 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. IUCN, Gland.

Passmore, N.I and Carruthers, V.C. 1979. South African frogs. Witwatersrand University Press. Johannesburg.

Provincial Administration of the Cape. 1974. Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 19 of 1974, as amended). Cape Town.

Transkei Environmental Conservation Decree

Ciskei Nature Conservation Act

National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004)

Alien and. Invasive Species Regulations, 2014

Threatened or protected Species Regulations (TOPS) Regulations



Appendix 1:
General captivity permit requirements:

The animals will be kept in holding facilities that are escape proof and that cater to the individual needs of the species being kept. The following recommendations must be confirmed by officers doing routine inspections. Failure to meet any of the specifications bellow will result in a permit being denied or revoked:

Met Specification Comment
General specifications (all reptiles or amphibians)
The holding facility (cage) must be escape proof
The enclosures should have adequate ventilation
Enclosures should give the animal opportunity to hide away, whether by means of hide boxes, substrate or artificial foliage
Enclosures must have access to an artificial heat source, in the case of reptiles being cooled for breeding, the keeper must show that a heat source is available. Recognized artificial heat sources include, red or infra-red light bulbs, heating pads, radiant heat panels, radiant heat emitters.
All exposed heat sources must be covered to prevent the caged animals from being injured.
Enclosures must be supplied with clean fresh water, in the case of desert species who may suffer from exposure to high humidity from water being present in enclosures the owner must keep a register of how often water is offered to the reptile.
The owner must be able to prove he/she has access to suitable food for the reptiles kept.
All enclosures must be clean, free of faeces, shed skins and old uneaten food items
All enclosures must have suitable substrates for the reptile being kept.
No indigenous reptile or amphibian may be kept in the same enclosure with any exotic species
Only indigenous reptiles and amphibians of the same species may be kept together in the same enclosure.
Specifications applicable to dangerous & venomous reptiles
A certificate of competency (reptile husbandry course) must be attached (See Glossary of terms)
A copy of the applicants identity document must be attached
Enclosures housing venomous or dangerous reptiles must be locked to prevent unauthorized or accidental opening (outdoor pits are not acceptable)
The owner must be resident on the premises, and responsibility may not be delegated to anyone who is not qualified by the definition of the Department.
Venomous and dangerous species enclosures must be labeled with the number of, and species being kept per enclosure as well as the internationally recognized skull and crossbones insignia (refer to example below)
The facility housing venomous reptiles must be secure and locked. If kept in the owner’s house they must be in a locked room.
Written consent from the property owner (if the owner is not the applicant)must be attached for housing of dangerous and venomous reptiles, before any permit is issued
Suitable handling tools are present for handling venomous and dangerous reptiles.

For large dangerous or venomous species where a room is used as an enclosure, the following applies:

The room must have a double door entrance system, where the doors are separated by an enclosed passage of one(1) meter.

The door opening into the room must have a glass viewing panel large enough to clearly see into the room

Both doors must be locked and handling equipment must be present in the passage

External windows must be covered both internally and externally with a galvanized/stainless steel wire mesh

A ceiling must be present in the room

Suitable substrate must be present in the room

All specifications covered under “General Specifications apply”

Signage must be clearly visible outside of the rood and at its entrance.

Specifications applicable to indigenous and exotic lizards - All general specifications apply
Lizards reaching length or greater than (1) one meter require a cage of (two) 2m x 2m x 2m acceptable for up to 3 individuals.

Specifications applicable to indigenous tortoises, terrapins and exotic tortoises - All general specifications apply
Where the tortoises are kept, must protect the animal/s from the elements
Protection from other family pets
Protection from dangers within the property (driveways swimming pools etc.)
Access to shelter , fresh food and clean water
Exotic tortoises must be kept in a designated fenced off area

Appendix 2: Species not requiring permits

Pythons:
Scientific name Common Name
Morelia viridis Green tree python
Python regius Ball python

Boas:
Scientific name Common Name
Epicrates cenchria Brazilian rainbow boa
Epicrates maurus Columbian rainbow boa
Corallus hortulanus Amazon tree boa
Corallus caninus Emerald tree boa

Colubrids:
Scientific name Common Name
Pantherophis guttatus Corn Snake
Pantherophis emoryi Great plains rat snake
Orthriophis taeniurus friesei Taiwan beauty snake
Orthriophis taeniurus ridleyi Cave racer
Orthriophis taeniurus callicyanous Vietnamese blue beauty snake
Coelognathus radiata Radiated rat snake
Elaphe obsolete quadrivittata Yellow rat snake
Elaphe obsolete rossalleni Everglades rat snake
Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri Texas rat snake
Elaphe obsoleta spiloides Gray rat snake
Elaphe obsoleta Black rat snake

Lampropeltis sp King, milk and mountain king snakes


-Appendix 2 will only come into effect once the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance 19 of 1974 section 31(1)), Transkei Environmental Conservation Decree (Decree 9 of 1992 Section 17 (1)) and the Ciskei Nature Conservation Act (Act 10 of 1987 section 11(1)) are amended to reflect this change.-

Appendix 3: Species requiring permits

• All exotic reptiles not included in Appendix 2
• All indigenous reptiles and amphibians
• The following lizards:

Scientific name Common name Conditions
1 Eublepharis macularius Leopard gecko Permit
2 Hemitheconyx caudicinctus African fat tailed gecko Permit
3 Rhacodactylus ciliatus Crested gecko Permit
4 Phelsuma sp. Day Gecko sp Permit
5 Gecko gecko Tokay gecko Permit
6 Iguana iguana Green Iguana Permit (listed as dangerous species)
7 Pogona viticeps Bearded dragon Permit
8 Chlamydosaurus kingii Frilled dragon Permit
9 Basiliscus plumifrons Green basalisk Permit
10 Physignathus cocincinus Chinese water dragon Permit
11 Varanus acanthurus Red ackie monitor, ridge tailed monitor or spiny tailed monitor Permit
12 Furcifer pardalis Panther Chameleon Permit
13 Chamaeleo melleri Mellers Chameleon Permit
14 Varanus albigularis Rock monitor Permit (listed as dangerous species)
15 Varanus niloticus Water (Nile) monitor Permit (listed as dangerous species)
16 Tiliqua sp. Blue tongue skink Permit

Appendix 4: Prohibited species

The following are prohibited for private ownership in the Eastern Cape:

• All species listed in the Alien and Invasive species prohibited lists
• All exotic amphibians
• All extra limital indigenous amphibians
• All exotic turtles or terrapins
• Africa Spur Thigh Tortoise Geochelone sulcata
• All extra limital indigenous terrapins
• All crocodilians

Appendix 5: Register to be used by persons in possession of a catch and release permit

Address where problem reptile was removed Occupants name Occupants signature Species No Released Unable to release –Motivation required


Captivity register

Common name Scientific name Permit number Births/eggs hatching Deaths Specimen transferred Permit number

Puff adder Bitis arietans CR1234EC 20 BABIES BORN 1 ADULT DIED 27/02/2014 5 BABIES SOLD Permit number TR12345EC
5 JUVINILES DIED 27/02/2014
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby iiviii » Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:34 pm

This is fantastic news!! Thank you very much for letting us know Arno. Looking forward to the new changes. Any idea how long it takes for the changes to take effect / when they will add the changes to their list? And I know I should understand plain english, but I just want to make sure I read right, does this mean that we will be allowed to bring in bearded dragons??
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Ruan Stander » Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:26 pm

That is very comprehensive and pretty reasonable. I hope Limpopo catches a few tips.

Why is the breeding of reptiles to supplement dwindling populations not encouraged ? And does this only apply to indigenous species ?
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Bushviper » Wed Mar 05, 2014 8:42 am

I have no idea when this will be signed and implemented. This process usually takes quite a while but I have a feeling we are looking at a matter of months if not weeks.

Yes you will be allowed to import beardies and the other lizards on the list without a Risk assessment.

Breeding snakes in captivity for release is a contentious issue and is not a conservation strategy. Snakes know how to breed and they dont need us. What they do need is the habitat to be left undisturbed which is a totally different concept. If a population is dwindling then captive breeding is not going to help. The prey items, the predators and the entire environment needs to be investigated and put into balance long before any captive breeding programme can be started.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby michael » Wed Mar 05, 2014 12:47 pm

Thank you BV for putting the policy up and responding to some of the comments. This is most appreciated.

Iiviii, the Operational Guideline is out for public comment now. Once the comment period closes, the comments received, will where possible, be incorporated into the policy and then it be presented in its final form for acceptance. This can take a little time but we will keep interested parties up to date. Please note the old operational guideline still applies and is in effect until the new one has been passed.

Yes you can, once the new guideline is passed AND IF no major objections are lodged to the proposed list of lizards, apply for a permit to import and keep beardies .

Predator 678, as BV has already stated habitat destruction is the biggest current threat, breeding for reintroduction requires habitat for the species to be re- established, so currently at this stage is not feasible. This is in line with current IUCN guidelines. Remember this policy can and will be reviewed so should the need arise it can be amended to include this.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Ruan Stander » Wed Mar 05, 2014 1:59 pm

Thanks Michael and Bushviper.

I see where you are coming from, makes sense. I was however thinking of only one aspect, not reintroducing a species to an area where it has become locally extinct, but merely supplementing an existing population of a species that is being for example exploited for the pet trade. Would it not be viable in such an instance ? Obviously, as you have stated, this will be in vain if the species is in trouble because of habitat loss and/destruction.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby ghoti » Wed Mar 05, 2014 6:02 pm

Wow, this is an amazing development. Took me a while to read through all of that, but I really liked what I read.

I also wondered why we cant release indigenous animals back into a habitat where they used to live, but I figured you dont want some random dude dropping of 50 puff adders (and thereby impacting the local ecology). It would be nice if we could work with nature conservation to help them in captive breeding species to help support conservation.

3.3.3. Members of the public will be restricted to one tortoise per household upon a successful inspection outcome for these applications

Is the purpose of this rule intentionally meant to cause population decline? Cause I was thinking if you wanted to maintain or increase the population it might be cool for households perhaps to have a pair of them?

In Appendix 2:
Are pueblan milksnakes included in coulbrids that dont require permits? If so :smt007

Any chance of Boa imperators making the appendix 2 list? They dont get as big as the red tails :D Or are they still a risk because they can easily survive in our weather?

Are kenyan sand boas going to still require a permit?

Thank you very much for all the hard work you guys and girls are doing.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby iiviii » Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:22 pm

Thank you both for the quick replies Micheal and BV.

When they mention cage specifications, will there be a list availble of which snakes require which size cages / hights / hides vs substrates etc? Or will there be a basic guideline as to include all the snakes of that size as mentioned in Appendix 1?

Also, when / if they add all of this in to their list of rules, will we be able to get an updated list of which reptiles / amphibians we are allowed into the eastern cape that applies to the whole of the eastern cape? Or are there different lists for different sections of the eastern cape?

I have to admit that I am quite suprized that they are allowing the Iguanas back into the eastern cape after having a ban on them for so long. A nice suprize at that. Are there any talks of letting some spiders being allowed into our province as well? Or can we comment and ask that they be concidered? Sorry for asking so many questions, but I'm sure there are allot of peope who I've spoken to that have asked me the same questions.

PS. Thanks Micheal for all your hard work on this. I am sure that you have had a big hand in this and that everyone in the Eastern Cape is going to appreciate this more than you will ever know.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby ghoti » Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:36 pm

Look forward to these chanages :D
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby iiviii » Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:43 pm

And one last question, everyone that already has venomous snakes, will they be allowed to still keep them or will they be given a period of time to get a certificate of competency?
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Martin Odd » Thu Mar 06, 2014 7:40 am

This is good! Wonder what the chances of the Western Cape also putting out something similar for comment. We live in hope.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby michael » Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:20 am

@ Ghoti

The purpose of limiting households to 1 tortoise is to prevent unwanted breeding. People who really want to breed can still acquire their breeding stock the normal way of sourcing legal captive animals and applying for permits.

Appendix 2 applies to certain species only, not all colubrids, however peublan milk snakes are Lampropeltis which have been proposed on the Appendix 2. Any species not on that list requires a permit.


@ iiviii

Appendix 1 will be the main guideline used to inspect all reptile cages.

This is a standard operational guideline for the Eastern Cape, thus it will be uniform across the Province. Once approved this replaces all previous Operational Guidelines dealing with reptiles and amphibians.

Spiders, scorpions and other insects will be dealt with separately, currently no exotic spiders or scorpions are allowed in the Eastern Cape. If you need clarity on other invertebrates, we are more than happy to advise.

People currently in possession of venomous snakes, who have not done the required training will have until the expiry of their permit to complete the required training. No new applications or renewals for venomous or dangerous species will be approved until the training has been completed and their facilities comply with Appendix 1.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby ghoti » Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:50 am

Cool thanks for the explanations Michael.

Just some small questions regarding that awesome appendix 2.

1) Was there any specific criteria for animals to make that list?
2) Will that list be reviewed regularly? (and if so, how regularly).


I will see you at tomorrows Q&A. Looking forward to that :)
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Bushviper » Fri Mar 07, 2014 1:18 pm

The criteria for the snakes on the list (which are exempted) was based on popularity, whether they are already in the province as well as their size and toxicity. It is not perfect but it is very close.

I have suggested that this list is reviewed every 24 months and public participation is invited for each suggestion in future. This would mean that if you do a Risk Assessment then the reptile will be automatically added to the list if it acceptable, while others can be submitted on an ad-hoc basis but will be held over until the review date. In the meeting with the Deputy Director general of Environmental affairs yesterday he stated that all provinces have to follow their guidelines so to get new species added should not be an issue unless they are on the national prohibited list. This was taken up with all the MEC's by the Minister in one of their meetings (Minmec).

If this policy is accepted the chances are very good that indigenous spiders (baboon spiders?) will be treated in the same manner and permits for their keeping and trade will be allowed far more freely. This depends on various factors especially the reactions from the public. That will make this province the most dynamic as far as utilization of natural resources is considered.

If any of you feel that indigenous reptiles like house snakes belong on the list that will not work. The biodiversity act prescribes that indigenous animals must be regulated so even though KZN get away with it this will not be able to be applied in EC. I also checked up on this as i thought this would be a great opportunity. Getting permits for captive bred (legal) snakes does not seem to be an issue in any case.

Exotic amphibians are prohibited on the national list so the province have no choice but to enforce that. Bringing extra limital amphibians to the EC is not a wise idea so you will have to push for the keeping of amphibians that occur in the province naturally.
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Re: Good news for the Eastern Cape

Postby Spider-man » Thu Mar 20, 2014 3:57 pm

Has there been any progress on this legislation? Do we have time frames?
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