South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs plans to establish an annual quota for the export of skeletons from farm-bred lions and won’t authorise shipments until one has been put in place. An export permit will only be granted when a scientific authority has advised that it won’t be detrimental to the survival of the species, Albi Modise, a spokesman for the department, said on Tuesday in response to questions, adding that the proposal is for 800 skeletons to be exported. He said the export quota for captive lions may help prevent the poaching of wild lions as demand surges following initiatives from countries including India and Russia to better protect tigers. "Well-regulated trade will enable the department to monitor a number of issues, including the possible impact on the wild populations," Modise said. The quota proposal will be sent to the United Nations’ Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Plunging Population There ar...
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