CAPTIVE BREEDING
Export of bones raises fears for region’s lions
A zero quota would exist for the export of bones from wild lions, but SA would establish a quota for bones from captive breeding facilities, the Department of Environmental Affairs announced in February. There is significant evidence that SA’s legal trade in captive-bred lion trophies is accelerating the slaughter of wild lions for their parts in neighbouring countries and increasing demand for lion parts in Asia — a market that did not exist before SA started exporting lion bones in 2007. The bones are used for traditional medicine and wine in Asian countries. Proponents of the captive lion trade argue that the industry reduces demand for wild lion parts, thereby benefiting conservation. "One of the main concerns is that lion bones may be illegally sourced from wild lion populations if the trade in the bones originating from captive-bred lions is prohibited," the department said in a statement. "A well-regulated trade will enable the department to monitor a number of issues relatin...
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