APPENDIX B

PROTOCOL FOR TRAPPING OF WILD RAPTORS FOR FALCONERS IN THE WESTERN CAPE

INTRODUCTION

Cape Nature has a responsibility to protect and control the utilization of all wild animals that are found within the Province of the Western Cape.  Breeding, Exhibition, Trading and Rehabilitation Centers are all a form of animal utilization and as such, are affected by conservation legislation. Cape Nature thus has an obligation to control the activities, and consequences of activities, that take place at these Centers.

Throughout the Province, there are many Centers where a particular activity, or even combination of activities, is carried out under the basis of one of the three broad categories specified above.  Although Centers are found predominantly in the Metropolitan areas, they could in fact be found anywhere, and District Managers will need to apply a standard policy in regulating their operation.

This document is intended to identify these activities, and provide guidelines to Nature Conservators when making decisions or recommendations related to the operation of these Centers.

DEFINITIONS

It is important that each activity, and the related key words, be defined so that Nature Conservators can make consistent appraisals of varying establishments.

CAPTIVE BREEDING CENTRES

Here a specific species is kept in captivity for the “sole” purpose if breeding viable individuals that can ultimately be returned to the natural environment. This activity is usually highly specialized, and in most cases involves the breeding of rare or endangered species.

EXHIBITION CENTRES

Animals are kept in captivity for the purpose of exhibiting them to the public.  The broad objective is invariably commercial gain. Some may be non-profit organizations, which rely on income generated for their continued operation.  Centers include zoological gardens (zoos), snake parks and aquariums.

REHABILITATION CENTERS

Injured or ailing animals may be kept at a Center for the sole purpose of rehabilitating (restoring) that animal to its original condition.  Animals should be returned to their natural environment where they can survive the elements and effectively re-enter the social hierarchy of that species.

TRADERS

Less known, but relatively active in the trade of captive animals, are dealers who deal with the previously described centers.  Their activities are difficult to define, as there is no norm to their mode of operations.  Nature Conservators should, however, be aware of their existence and possible operation within their Districts.

Nature Conservators undertaking inspections will identify institutions as falling under one of the above definitions.  This is important, as specific requirements have to be met dependant on the inspection findings.  Head Office, when issuing or renewing permits, will register the institution in accordance with these definitions and inspection report.

PREAMBLE

The Boland Falconry Club negotiates with the Cape Nature for an annual quota of birds that may be taken from the wild for the purpose of falconry.  Some of these may be taken from nests while others may be obtained as rehabilitation birds that are retained for falconry.  The balance of birds will need to be trapped in terms of a trapping permit issued by the Cape Nature. In all cases the protocol as outlined in Appendix A will apply.  The following protocol applies specifically for the trapping of birds for falconry.

1)   Falconry trapping Permits:  Permits will be issued by Cape Nature specifically for the trapping falconry birds and may not be used for any other reason.  The only exception to this will be the trapping of problem birds for translocation where there is real reason to believe that they will be destroyed if not removed.

2)   Issuing of Permits: The permits will be issued to A or B Grade falconers who receive the recommendation of the club.  They will be valid for one year only and it will be the responsibility of the holder to return them to the Cape Nature for renewal.  In the event of abuse of the permits they will be withdrawn and not re-issued. Note that, in terms of the updated Policy for Falconry of Cape Nature trapping permits will be incorporated in the Falconry permits for all A and B Grade falconers.

3)   Eligibility for Trapping Permits: A or B Grade falconers who have assisted with trapping and who have satisfied the committee that they have the required skills, and responsibility may request a trapping permit. This request must be in writing and is to be submitted through the club secretary to obtain committee approval prior to submission to the Department.

4)  Trapping Methods: Only approved trapping methods may be employed.  These would include:

i)     Bal-chatri Trap

ii)     Dho Gaza Nets

iii)    Pigeon waistcoat

iv)    Bow Net

v)     Swedish goshawk trap

vi)    Mist net

vii)  Removal of chicks or eggs from the nest.

5)  Trapping Ethics: All permit holders must undertake to behave in an ethical fashion. No trap may be left unattended. When trapping with a pigeon waistcoat, a telemetry transmitter must be attached to the pigeon.  Any non-target hawk must be released immediately, preferably with a ring if this is feasible.

6) Private Land: Any trapping on private land must have the written approval of the landowner. Complaints about trapping without permission will result in withdrawal of the trapping permit.

7) Falconers who do not hold a trapping permit and who wish to take a hawk from the wild must nominate the falconer who will trap for them. This nomination should be in writing to the secretary. More than one trapper may be nominated. Falconers who hold trapping permits must recognize that they have an obligation to assist others to obtain their birds. It is not unreasonable for permit holders to recover their traveling expenses when trapping for other members, but they should not otherwise charge for their services.

8)  Records: Returned permits should record all birds trapped during the course of the year.  All trapped birds should be immediately reported to the secretary.  Birds trapped and the methods used should be included in the annual report.

9)   The Law Enforcement Branch of Cape Nature: should be informed when a member intends to go trapping, either by that member or the club secretary.

The ability to take birds from the wild is a considerable privilege and is not permitted in many countries.  Falconers should therefore jealously guard this privilege and make every attempt to ensure adherence to the protocols.