The reverse has the outline of  the map of South Africa. Tenth oz indicated in the area where Namibia would be.Within this outline the animal big five, leopard (top), rhino (left), elephant (middle), buffalo (right) and lion (bottom left), all are frosted. A scene of flora and fauna protected by the hands of conservation custodian with the outline of South Africa in the background.

Inscription: 1894 BEWARING PROTEA CONSERVATION 1994

CONSERVATION

South Africa is regarded as one of the world’s so-called megadiverse countries. After

Brazil and Indonesia, South Africa is rated as the third most biologically diverse country in

the world. With less than 1% of the global land surface, the country harbours some 10% of

global plant, bird and freshwater fish diversity, and approximately 6% of mammal and

reptile diversity (Endangered Wildlife Trust, 2004).

This explains why South Africa has a wide variety of animals that are sought after by

overseas trophy hunters. Currently South Africa has approximately 65 species that are

hunted for trophies. This makes South Africa the country with the highest number of wildlife

species that can be hunted for trophies.

South Africa is also a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The countries who signed this Convention

agreed to various prohibitions and restrictions in international trade on practices that threaten

the conservation of listed species in the wild. South Africa has been a signatory for over

30 years and is a significant importer and exporter of CITES-listed species. There has,

however, been concern for the past decade that wildlife trade in South Africa is not adequately

controlled and that there are a number of deficiencies in South Africa’s implementation of

the Convention. Probably one of the greatest pressures for change has come directly

through a CITES decision which requires South Africa to develop adequate legislation

within certain time frames, failing which a trade suspension could be imposed. To address

these concerns, among others, provisions to deal with CITES implementation have been

included in the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act. It therefore seems

that after many years, South Africa will at least meet its obligations as a CITES member

Throughout the 1900s Africa’s wildlife was perceived as plentiful and prolific. Immigrant

settlers impacted on Africa’s wildlife as the continent was penetrated and newer agricultural

practices introduced. Wild habitats were modified to accommodate agrarian needs, thereby

eliminating a myriad of wild plants and animals. Wildlife was regarded as competing with

domesticated livestock, raiders of the cultivated crops and free rations for settlers’ labour

forces. As a result they wiped out the larger and dangerous mammals on their lands. The

number of predators has, accordingly, decreased significantly in these areas.

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