While the National Council of the SPCA called on South African National Parks to urgently review its decision to shoot tahrs on Table Mountain, major conservation organisations have come out in support of the tahr eradication programme.
Endangered Wildlife Trust director Nick King said on Thursdaythat tahrs had no place on Table Mountain.
"There is no doubt tahrs need to be taken off the mountain to protect the biodiversity. As to the best method, it may well be that a quick, clean shot by a specialist marksman is the most humane way."
"Unfortunately people get very emotional when big, furry animals are concerned. They are putting so much energy into the tahr issue but are not contributing to the real environmental problems in this country. There are 10 species of our mammals facing extinction if something is not done soon. That's where people should be putting their energy," King said.
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| 'There are 10 species of our mammals facing extinction' |
Western Cape Nature Conservation Board chief David Daitz said the management plan for Table Mountain National Park had been established after an extensive public participation programme.
"The management plan included the removal of invasive aliens, which was sanctioned by the public. I cannot see why a special case should be made for one alien species, or why National Parks should offer a safe haven for any invasive alien species. And I can't think of a more humane way of removing tahrs than shooting them," Daitz said.
Andy Gubb of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa said they supported the removal of tahrs.
"It is unfortunate, but a reality. It must be done as humanely as possible. We've never supported the use of darts and drugs, but shooting is probably the best way."
Tony Frost, chief executive of the South African branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), said: "Invasive aliens like tahrs threaten biodiversity. Tahrs don't belong on Table Mountain. I'm quite sure the removal of tahrs will be done properly and humanely. The quicker it's done, the better."
Julia Woods, manager of the Table Mountain Fund, said she supported the removal of tahrs in the "most humane way".
"Culling tahrs is nothing new. It's been done for years, since the 70s. Unfortunately I don't think translocation is a viable option," Woods said.
Marcelle Meredith of the NSPCA said on Thursday they had called on the Minister of Environment Marthinus van Schalkwyk to intervene in the matter and to chair talks between parties concerned. - Environment Writer
- This article was originally published on page 4 of Cape Times on May 21, 2004
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