South Africa's Shocking Role in Tiger Farming: A Call for Urgent Phase-out

South Africa has found itself at the center of a disconcerting revelation within the global wildlife trade network. According to a report titled "Roadmap to Closing Captive Tiger Facilities of Concern," the country is a significant player in the breeding of tigers for commercial purposes. The report, which involves input from leading environmental organizations such as WWF, Environmental Investigation Agency, Panthera, Wildlife Justice Commission, and Four Paws, shines a light on South Africa’s unregulated industry of captive tiger farming and its implications for both animal welfare and conservation efforts.

The report highlights that an estimated 9,000 tigers are bred across more than 300 facilities in Asia; however, numbers for South Africa were less clear. Tigers, considered exotic in South Africa, do not fall under native biodiversity protection legislation. Despite this classification, trade figures indicate a robust industry, with South Africa exporting 358 live tigers and 93 tiger body parts between 2011 and 2020, mainly to countries such as Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

In response to questions in the South African Parliament, Environment Minister Barbara Creecy acknowledged the existence of around 70 facilities keeping tigers in May 2022. Yet, despite evidence to the contrary, the claim that tigers are not exported for commercial purposes was later stated. This controversy underscores the complexity of the issue and the challenges faced in obtaining accurate information and enforcing appropriate legislation.

Investigative data compiled and presented in the Roadmap demonstrates the extensive exploitation of captive tigers, including the sale of their cubs, skins, and body parts, as well as incidents of tiger trophy exports. These practices not only undermine international efforts to protect endangered species but also foster a market that directly threatens the survival of wild tiger populations by stimulating demand.

The roadmap offers a strategic framework for nations, including South Africa, to phase out problematic captive tiger facilities. It emphasizes the stark animal welfare implications, such as indiscriminate breeding, inhumane slaughtering practices, and genetic abnormalities causing severe distress. The report's recommendations align with the steps currently undertaken by the Department of Environment to end captive lion breeding in South Africa – which could serve as a blueprint for dismantling the tiger farming industry.

As part of its conclusion, the report offers a compelling argument that bringing an end to tiger farming, while also preventing the emergence or expansion of new facilities, is crucial. Such action is needed to curb the illegal activities and conservation concerns these operations breed and to fulfill a vital role in safeguarding the future of tigers worldwide.

The disturbing figures and findings within the report present a call to action for South Africa to recognize its role in the global wildlife crisis and to commit to rectifying the situation through decisive and urgent measures. The question of how and when these steps will be implemented remains under discussion, but it is clear that the international community is watching, and the spotlight on the country's wildlife trade practices has intensified.