Sustainable development

Input sought on SA wildlife distribution

22 August 2013

The Department of Environmental Affair has invited members of the public to provide their input on maps reflecting the natural distribution range of 21 indigenous wild mammal species in South Africa.

The species include impala, springbok, white rhino, eland, Cape buffalo, giraffe, kudu, black wildebeest and Cape mountain zebra.

The department said earlier this month that it was developing the maps in phases, with the current set of maps including 21 indigenous mammal species "that are most commonly translocated within the wildlife industry".

Translocation of the animals is regulated in terms of both provincial and national biodiversity legislation, although factors considered in evaluating permit applications often differ between provinces.

The maps are therefore expected to give clarity on the natural distribution range of South Africa's wildlife, and to help with the evalutation of permit applications.

The maps were developed based on a set of predetermined principles, including the historical distribution of species, as well as vegetation types indicate the sustainability of habitats to different species.

To access the template for input submissions, and for more information on the distribution maps, follow this link.

Members of the public are invited to submit their input by downloading the template and returning it via e-mail to distributionmaps@environment.gov.za by 31 August 2013.

Source: SAnews.gov.za