As second owner of Nico van Rooyen Taxidermy, from 1994, my beginnings in this artistic trade were based on a childhood in hunting and conservation, both in Tanzania and Germany, as well as a family background in art. A profession in taxidermy offered itself as a logical combination. German taxidermy school, followed by an apprenticeship with Nico van Rooyen in South Africa from 1979 to 1984 were the foundation to my career. Eight years followed in museum taxidermy at the then vibrant and active Transvaal Museum of Natural History.

With my partner Geoff Voigt we took over the company from Nico van Rooyen in early 1994, by then a well-known and reputable company with international clientele.

Keeping pace with developments locally and abroad we specialize in custom mounts of game animals from all over Africa, both for hunters as well as museums.

We draw on a large stock of molds, sculpted in house over the last 50 years.

One of our specialties are replicas of special trophies, as well as replica mounts of elephant, rhino and hippo. These circumvent permit issues, and are possibly more durable than skin mounts.

We are currently branching out into bronze wildlife sculpture.

We strive to keep our delivery time for mounted trophies within 10 to 12 months, while Dip/ Ship leaves to the shipper within 4 months of payment.

We offer a trophy collection service within a radius of about 600km of our studio, as well as good courier services operating within South Africa.

We understand the importance of the close co-operation of outfitter, taxidermist and trophy exporter, that is necessary to facilitate a successful hunting experience.

Email: katharina@taxidermy.co.za

Website: www.taxidermy.co.za

On 2 May 2021, South Africa’s Minister for Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, made public a massive report of 582 pages compiled by a so-called ‘High-Level Panel’, containing 18 goals and 60 recommendations. Most strategic planners will tell you that having too many goals is a sure recipe for failure to achieve any of them.

It is called ‘The high-level panel of experts for the review of policies, legislation and practices on matters of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling. For submission to the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries – 15 December 2020.’

The media have picked up as the main message of the report that South Africa plans to ban the so-called ‘canned hunting’ of lions in South Africa, a practice that has resulted in widespread condemnation from many quarters, including most hunting organisations and from the majority of hunters themselves.

A Colloquium on Captive Lion Breeding by the then-Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs was held in August 2018. This was attended by a range of national and international organisations who gave evidence to the Committee. According to the report of the Portfolio Committee, which was later adopted by Parliament, there was a predominant view that the captive lion breeding industry did not contribute to conservation and was doing damage to South Africa’s conservation and tourism reputation.

The Portfolio Committee, therefore, requested the Department, as a matter of urgency, to initiate a policy and legislative review with a view to putting an end to this practice. Given that there were a number of other burning issues related to other iconic species such as rhino (escalating poaching, rhino horn trade), elephant (ivory trade), and leopard (threats such as illegal offtake of damage causing leopards, poorly managed trophy hunting, trade in leopard skin for religious and traditional use) the Department decided to include these in the terms of reference of the Panel in order to get a holistic view of the pertinent issues.

The Minister established the High Level Panel (HLP) on 10 October 2019, in terms of Section 3A of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA). The Panel was chaired by Ms Pamela Yako, and comprised 25 members from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

The report is extremely long and will require some serious reading and analysis before the full implications of its recommendations can be made. It remains to be seen whether any of the 18 goals can be achieved, given the complicated nature of South African society, let alone the diversity of views about the environment and conservation. The views of animal rights proponents seem to be scattered throughout the report. Some idealistic philosophical threads run through the report, like this:

“To provide this aspirational horizon against which to reference our thinking, we identified the following consensus ‘working vision’:

Secured, restored, and rewilded natural landscapes with thriving populations of Elephant, Lion, Rhino, and Leopard, as indicators for a vibrant, responsible, inclusive, transformed, and sustainable wildlife sector.”

‘Responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ sound like appropriate words for the wildlife sector to aim for, but what is meant by ‘vibrant’, ‘inclusive’ and ‘transformed’ in this context? Given that the ANC government seems intent on implementing a new land policy of ‘expropriation without compensation’, what does this mean for the privately-owned wildlife ranches and game farms on which much of South Africa’s hunting activities take place?

The HLP identified seven cross-cutting themes within which they could frame the issues of concern that needed to be dealt with as part of its Terms of Reference (ToR), and for which the members would need a deeper understanding to inform their recommendations, namely: The Constitutional framework; Legislation and mandates; Land-use and the South African wildlife model; Transformation in the sector; Education and capacity building; International position, and Animal welfare.

Seven sub-committees developed situation reports for each theme, which identified key issues of concern, as well as providing different ‘lenses’ from which to view the specific issues raised for each species within the ToR. It is no wonder that their report is so lengthy! The Executive summary is five pages long. Let’s skim through its 18 areas of concern to the HLP:

1. Recommends the development of a National Policy on Biodiversity and Sustainable Use, which will provide context, clarity and strategic direction to all stakeholders.
2. Notes the importance of transformation of the sector, with empowerment and capacitation of communities living with wildlife, and recognition of their traditions and culture, as practiced through the traditional leaders and traditional healers.
3. Notes the importance of thriving populations of the five iconic species as catalysts for a vibrant, responsible, inclusive, transformed, and sustainable wildlife sector, and has identified key aspects of wildlife land-use and the wildlife model that can be improved to achieve this.
4. Capacity building, education, training, and empowerment of human capital across the wildlife sector needs focus and attention.
5. Standards and practices within the wildlife sector need to meet the minimum acceptable standards for animal welfare and well-being.
6. Inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of governance of the wildlife sector caused by multiple mandates and dual competency between national and provinces requires reform from a legislative and implementation practice perspective.
7. Conflicting legislation, policy and mandates between Environment and Agriculture requires attention.
8. Rationalised and improved contribution of protected areas to support conservation and sustainable use of the five species, and to aid in serving as drivers of regional rural economies.
9. South Africa’s international standing as a leader in conservation is threatened by some wildlife practices and approaches in South Africa – with a protocol, key interventions, and a risk mitigation and communication strategy required to deal with this.
10. There is a need for responsible, adaptive, transparent, and accountable management that secures thriving and sustainable populations of the five species and their habitats, for the benefit of all (wildlife, wildlife custodians, and society at large), while highlighting interventions to secure this.
11. South Africa to be repositioned and promoted as a destination of choice for legal, regulated and responsible hunting of the five iconic species, recognising that this supports and promotes conservation and rural livelihoods.
12. Live export of the five iconic species should focus on in situ conservation of the species within their natural range.
13. There is a need for development of an integrated, shared, strategic, approach to leopard management that considers all the dimensions, and is inclusive of all stakeholders.
14. As the HLP recommends a policy position stating that South Africa does not envisage submitting an ivory trade proposal to CITES as long as current specified circumstances prevail, alternative income streams need to be identified to support both elephant management and urgent socio-economic development requirements of people living with elephants.
15. The HLP recommends that South Africa should take a global leadership position on rhino conservation, and that the Minister should lead a process of engagement to develop a consensus approach to both global conservation of rhino, and a range state consensus on international commercial trade in rhino horn, that can be taken to CITES when the Rhino Committee of Inquiry and Rhino Action Plan conditions are met; to this end, urgent progress needs to be made with the implementation of the Rhino Committee of Inquiry recommendations, while alternative benefit streams to international rhino horn sale are developed and implemented.
16. The HLP recommends investigating the full range of options for future stockpile use, taking into account social and economic risks, costs, and benefits.
17. The majority of the HLP recommends that the current trend of increasing intensive management and registration of rhino captive breeding operations is reversed within a period that allows for a sustainable conservation outcome, through phasing out captive rhino breeding, and providing clarity that trade in captive rhino horn would not be supported or approved prior to the Rhino Committee of Inquiry recommendations being met.
18. Three different approaches to captive lions are presented by the panel, with the majority view being that, in future, South Africa will not captive breed lions, keep lions in captivity, or use captive lions or their derivatives commercially.

So, there is much to think about in this massive report, and already there are noises from rhino breeders that their rights are seriously infringed by the recommendations here. Most of us will support the notion of phasing our canned lion hunting, but what is to be done with the large population of captive lions, and the people whose livelihoods are sustained by the practice? What usually happens when you ban the trade in any commodity, is that it goes underground and becomes the domain of criminals and corrupt officials. That has already happened with rhino horn, and will surely be the case with lion bones. The HLP report is not very helpful in these two cases.

But the underlying support for hunting is welcomed, as it is expressed in recommendation 11:

“South Africa to be repositioned and promoted as a destination of choice for legal, regulated and responsible hunting of the five iconic species, recognising that this supports and promotes conservation and rural livelihoods.”

Dr John Ledger is a past Director of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, now a consultant, writer and teacher on the environment, energy and wildlife; he is a columnist for the African Hunting Gazette. He lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. John.Ledger@wol.co.za

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Livingstone Eland

The Livingstone eland, Taurotragus oryx livingstonei, is found in Angola, the northwest tip of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip (now Zambezi Region), Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It has been introduced into South Africa where it’s not unusual to see it grazing alongside the common, or Cape eland. There are some visual differences between the Cape eland and the Livingstone eland. If you are going to hunt Livingstone eland, you need to be aware of these differences. The Livingstone eland has larger, more massive horns than its cousin. It is physically larger than the Cape eland, and its vertical stripes on its rump are more defined and slightly wider. So there are definite differences, but in truth, the differences are largely due to geographical distribution. Living isolated from other eland species will have led to small differences in the population. Horns may be larger, or smaller, body markings can be altered. Actual body size can change due to climate, food source, or lack of it, and general habitat. The hide can change color depending on age, climate, or location. The largest antelope in Africa is one of the most nervous and skittish. It will flee any source of perceived danger, and is capable of running for many hours at a sustained speed of 40 miles per hour. It can jump a six-foot tall obstacle with ease. You have to be quiet and careful when stalking. The Livingstone eland can weigh over 2400 pounds and stand sixty to seventy inches at the shoulder. Both sexes have spiral horns with large bases. The male’s horns grow to four feet in length; the female’s reach about half of that. They consume a large amount of food, mostly during early morning hours, or late afternoon when the heat has died down a bit. They will feed at night. They prefer grasses, tree leaves, fruit, and bushes. They generally forage in open areas. They will travel great distances for food. They will follow the seasons, arriving at a new feeding ground when the fruit and flowers are in bloom. When water is available, elands will consume a great deal. However, during the dry season, or times of drought, they can go a long time without drinking. Herds usually run between 15-25 animals, although there are large groups of females and calves that gather together during the rainy season. Even though there might be any number of males in a herd, there is only one dominant Livingston eland. The male elands will fight over dominance. They feel out each other’s horns, touch heads, then push as hard as they can. They don’t use the horns for thrusting, except when fighting off a predator. Dominant male elands may mate with multiple females. They will chase off any other male that tries to pull a female from the herd bull. Calves are born mainly from August to November. The mother eland will hide her offspring in the bush rather than stay with it. Calves are weaned at six months. They will join up with other calves and form a juvenile herd. Mothers stay with this herd for a few months then go off to form a separate herd. South Africa has two species of eland; the Cape, or common, eland, and the Livingstone eland. They cross breed and 100% pure Livingstone or Cape elands are fairly rare these days. The Livingstone carries a higher value than the common eland, as is reflected in the price to hunt Livingstone eland in Africa. The common eland trophy fee could be as much as 50% less than that for the Livingstone eland. Livingstone elands aren’t particularly aggressive but are well muscled and powerful. Wounded, they can be quite dangerous. Also, if the shot isn’t fatal, the eland can cover a great number of miles before going down. The side shot is usually preferred. Put your crosshairs on the shoulder and try to break the shoulder bone. The eland won’t travel far before going down. The eland is a very large animal at considerably over 2,000 pounds in some cases and can take a great deal of killing. Bullet placement and the use of properly constructed bullets is absolutely critical and certainly takes precedence over caliber. However, caliber counts. Some hunters prefer one of the .30 caliber rifles with heavy for caliber bullets of 220 grains. The .30-06 has been used successfully on eland, but anything smaller should be avoided. Yes, a head or spine shot with a smaller caliber will drop an eland instantly. If you are off, though, you will be in for a long walk. Preferable calibers include the .338 Winchester Magnum, the 9.3x74mm, or the .375 H&H. All should have a good expanding bullet like the Swift A-Frame. Seven Livingstone Eland Facts

1. Scientific name: Taurotragus oryx livingstonei
2. Male weight: 2,200+ pounds
3. Male height: 60-70 inches at shoulder
4. Horns: male-four foot; female-2.2 foot
5. Gestation: nine months
6. Litter: one calf

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Lord Derby Eland

One thing to know when you hunt Lord Derby eland is that you are hunting the largest antelope in Africa. The Lord Derby, or giant eland, Taurotragus derbianus, stands six feet at the shoulder and weighs upwards of 2,200 pounds. The females are smaller, topping out at 1,300 pounds. Both sexes wear spiral horns. The male horns reach four feet in length while the female’s top at two feet. The Lord Derby eland is a herbivore, consuming leaves, foliage, branches and grass. The animal forms herds of both sexes numbering up to 25 antelope. The giant eland is only slightly larger than the common eland, but is called giant because of the size of its horns compared to the common eland. The Lord Derby eland isn’t territorial, and wanders over a wide range. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan. It is an alert animal, and difficult for a hunter to approach. (Lord Derby was the Earl of Derby, an English title created in 1139 AD.) The giant eland can run at speeds up to 44 miles per hour and do it for hours. Mating can occur throughout the year, but mostly takes place during the wet season. Females reach maturity at two years, males at four to five years. Gestation period is nine months after which a single calf is born. The calf stays with the mother for up to six months, when it will join a group of similar young elands. Giant elands are primarily nocturnal. They have vast permanent ranges and settled seasonal migration patterns. Eland herds usually contain 15-25 antelope and last for a year. During daytime hours, eland herds rest in shady, sheltered areas. Lord Derby eland males are wary and hard to approach. In times of danger, the male will bark at the herd until the whole herd is up and running to safety. Giant elands are exceptional jumpers and can clear a six foot obstacle with ease. Some of their primary predators are lions and hyena packs. Sickly or young elands are in danger from leopards and wild dogs. The mature, heavy, large-horned eland bulls can be hard to take down, even by a lion pride. The giant eland’s habitat is the savanna, woodlands, and brush of Central and West Africa. They can also live in very dry climates and deserts. The eastern giant eland is found in extensive areas, and is listed as “Least Concern”. The eastern population of giant elands is thought to be around 15,000, of which 12,500 are in the Central African Republic. Concern for the future of the eastern giant eland is based on the numerous conflicts in the general area. The western giant eland is listed as Critically Endangered. Around 1,000 western giant eland inhabit Senegal. Seven to eight hundred are in the Niocolo-Koba National Park near the Guinea-Bissau border. The balance of the elands is in the area around the Faleme River. Only a few giant elands live in nearby countries. The major threats to the giant eland are overhunting for meat, and habitat destruction caused by increasing human and livestock populations. The decline in the western eland population is being studied in some game preserves. There are around 100 giant elands in semi-captivity that are undergoing a breeding study that shows the annual population increase to be around 130 eland. With proper management of the captive animals, the western eland numbers could increase. You hunt giant eland during the months of January, February and March when the animals are at their peak. They are preparing for the breeding season and their necks have swollen up and their hide is in excellent condition. Giant eland hunting usually requires active pursuit. These animals don’t hang around very much. They are skittish and will take alarm if anything disturbs them. Almost all hunts will involve the hunter spending a goodly amount of time on foot. You can use the safari truck to drive roads early in the morning to search for giant eland tracks, providing there are roads where you are hunting. Once the spoor is located the hunter must get on the track and run them down at a good rate of speed. Eland don’t use roads, so sometimes you must track them far into the bush, far from the camp, truck, or warm shower. This could take days. A good caliber rifle to hunt Lord Derby eland is the 9.3x74R with 286-grain bullets. Another choice is the tried and true .375 H&H with .300-grain bullets. You can hunt with smaller calibers, but you want the animal to go down fast. A wounded eland can be a long, drawn-out process to track. Seven Lord Derby Eland Facts

1. Scientific name: Taurotragus derbianus
2. Male weight: 2200 pounds
3. Male height: six feet
4. Horns: Both sexes, male larger
5. Top speed: 44 miles per hour
6. Breeding: year round
7. Litter: one calf

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Common Eland

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