Question NW2688 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
10 October 2017 - NW2688
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(a) What is the total number of (i) registered breeders of tigers, (ii) tigers in captivity and (iii) tigers that have been hunted in South Africa since 1 January 2017 and (b) what is the breakdown of the numbers for each province?
Reply:
a)
(i) Tigers are alien in South Africa and are kept for among others zoological and breeding purposes. Tigers are not regulated in terms National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) or Threatened & Protected Species Regulations(TOPS). The national Department of Environmental Affairs , therefore, does not keep statistics on numbers of registered breeders, tigers in captivity, and hunting in South Africa as it is done with the key indigenous big mammals (Rhino, Elephants) as well as other big cats (Lions and Leopards). Provincial Authorities may have statistics on a number of registered captive facilities and hunting as such may be regulated through respective provincial legislation.
(ii) the question has been answered in paragraph (a)(i) above;
(iii) the question has been answered in paragraph (a)(i) above;
(b) The question has been answered in paragraph (a)(i) above.
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