Reptile imports from Madagascar banned. (6 November, 1996)

Cape Nature Conservation, the conservation authority of the Western Cape Provincial Administration, South Africa, has placed an embargo on all imports into the province of reptiles from Madagascar with effect from November 1, 1996. This decision was based on accummulated evidence, and is in the interests of the conservation of the unique reptiles of Madagascar. Cape Nature Conservation is of the opinion that the apparent indiscriminate exploitation of reptiles and amphibians from Madagascar is reaching unacceptable proportions and that this resource will not sustain exploitation of this nature. This embargo will stay in place until it is proven that the exploitation is not having a negative effect. Own correspondent, Courtesy of TRAFFIC-SA