Question NW2941 to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Breedt, Ms T to ask the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

(1) Whether she is aware of the fact that of the 12 cheetahs exported from Namibia to India, only five survived and of the twelve cheetahs exported from the Republic to India, only seven survived, while one cheetah is apparently to remain permanently in captivity and the rejection of cubs is ongoing; if not, why not, in each case; if so, (2) whether, given the high mortality rate and the range of problems being experienced in India with the cheetah reintroductions, she will reconsider the reintroduction programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether her department has carried out a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the specified programme and its problems to date, given that since the reintroduction programme was announced, ongoing concerns and appeals have been raised by local and international conservation, animal welfare and camivore specialists and groups for her to reconsider the reintroduction programme; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether, given the extent and range of the issues, she will consider halting the export of cheetahs from the Republic to India, pending the outcome of the specified evaluation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?