WildNet Africa - Wildlife Translocation Association of South Africa

Wildlife Translocation Association - - Capture, transportation, darting, auctions, accommodation, wildlife, Africa.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To establish standards for the translocation of wildlife in South Africa.
To facilitate free and meaningful exchange of ideas and techniques between persons involved in the translocation of wildlife.
To represent the wildlife translocation industry at regional, national and international levels.
To promote and encourage research into, and the development of, wildlife translocation techniques.
To watch over, promote and protect the interests of its members.

The Association also acts as a watchdog for the wildlife translocation industry in South Africa. Members of the public are encouraged to make use of Members of the Association for their wildlife capture and translocation needs. If they are dissatisfied with the level of service provided by a member of the Association, they can report this to the Association. If a member is found to have acted contrary to the Code of Conduct of the Association, they can be disciplined by the Association, suspended or struck from the roll.

This mechanism of protecting the public and the wild animals that are being translocated depends on the co-operation of the public. The diverse provincial legislation, lack of effective enforcement and proliferation of capture teams mean that there is no formal application of translocation standards. Unless the industry conforms to acceptable standards, needless suffering and deaths will continue to plague this essential component of expanding the areas of Africa that are being added to the already considerable expanse of land given over to wildlife utilisation.