South Africa Moves to End Captive Breeding of Wildlife. Some Thoughts from the Chinese Experience

Authors

Peter J. Li Ph.D., University of Houston-DowntownFollow

Abstract

South Africa occupies an ecologically strategic position in the world. Like China, it has rich biodiversity and has been building its reputation as a favorite wildlife tourist destination. But it has also attracted its share of wildlife traders, poachers, and trophy hunters[1]. South Africa’s own policies had allowed the development of extensive captive breeding of wildlife and the commercialization of captive-bred lions, lion parts and derivatives and parts from other iconic species such as rhinos, leopards and elephants. These activities could not but help attract these people who engage in wildlife profiteering. However, on May 2 this year, South Africa’s Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment made public a High Level Panel (HLP) report officially recommending an ending of captive lion (and other large cats) breeding, signaling a reversal of the previous policy.

Recommended Citation

Li, Peter J. Ph.D. (2021) "South Africa Moves to End Captive Breeding of Wildlife. Some Thoughts from the Chinese Experience," WellBeing News: Vol. 3: Iss. 6, Article 2.
Available at: https://www.wellbeingintlstudiesrepository.org/wbn/vol3/iss6/2