News

In a landmark decision on 31 October 2025, the Northern Cape Division of the High Court in Kimberley ruled that rhino horn harvested from captive-bred white rhinos on registered, conservation-oriented breeding operations may be exported under the non-commercial exemption in Article VII of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), provided that all relevant permits and conditions are satisfied.

The case was brought by conservation farm owner Wicus Diedericks, whose earlier applications for export permits had been denied by the provincial authorities. The court found that those blanket refusals were unlawful and ordered the relevant department to reconsider the permits within seven days, requiring written reasons for any further denial.

The ruling confirms that CITES does not categorically prohibit the export of rhino horn from captive-bred animals kept for conservation purposes, drawing a clear distinction between wild-taken specimens and those bred within registered facilities. 

Supporters argue that the decision could provide a much-needed financial lifeline for private breeding operations facing escalating security and care costs. Legal, regulated exports could fund anti-poaching measures, create rural employment, and return sustainable value to rhino conservation.

However, some conservation groups and government officials have raised concerns over regulatory oversight, market impact, and the potential for the legal trade to stimulate further demand for horn in international markets.

The ruling underscores how wildlife utilisation policies can evolve rapidly, influencing global trade, conservation funding, and international regulatory frameworks. Although the judgment does not open the door to unrestricted trade, it establishes a precedent that may reshape permit systems, certification procedures, and enforcement mechanisms for captive-bred horn. 

Analysts suggest the decision could unlock millions in legitimate conservation revenue, shifting profits from poachers to protectors and reigniting the global debate around sustainable wildlife management.