What we do
The main functions of the Scientific Authority are to:
- Monitor the legal and illegal trade in specimens of TOPS species (species listed as threatened or protected in terms of the section 56 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004) and CITES species (species included in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora);
- Make recommendations to an issuing authority on applications for permits to undertake restricted activities with TOPS species;
- Make non-detriment findings (NDFs) on the impact of international trade on the survival of TOPS and CITES species;
- Advise on the registration of ranching operations, nurseries, captive breeding operations and other facilities;
- Advise whether an operation or facility meets the criteria for producing species considered to be bred in captivity or artificially propagated;
- Advise on amendments to TOPS listings and prohibition of restricted activities;
- Advise on the nomenclature of species in trade; and
- Assist with identifying species in trade
Where we work
The Scientific Authority is active nationally in all nine provinces of South Africa, and is also represented on delegations to international meetings such as the CITES Plants and Animals Committees and the Conference of Parties to CITES.
Reason for our programme
The Scientific Authority has been established in terms of Section 60 of NEMBA. The purpose of the Scientific Authority is to assist with regulating and restricting trade in specimens of TOPS- and CITES-listed species. This is achieved through a scientific and professional review of available information and consultation with stakeholders when necessary.
What we have achieved
To date 28 meetings of the Scientific Authority have been convened, the last of which was held in Pretoria on the 30th of June and 1st of July 2026. The following matters are currently under discussion by the Scientific Authority:
- Amendments to CITES Resolution 9.24
- Cheetah Population Viability Analysis
- CITES trade analysis for SADC
- Conservation and management of Stangeria eriopus
- Cycad genomics
- Export of Appendix III succulents from Africa
- Export of wild-caught animals into zoos
- Giraffe conservation and taxonomy
- Leopard regalia, culture and conservation
- Monitoring of cycad nurseries
- Monitoring of illegal trade
- National guidelines for the metapopulation management of large mammal species
- Non-detriment findings (NDFs): status, implementation, updates and data
- Quotas for leopard, black rhino, elephant and lion bones
- Strontium isoscape for cycad forensics
- Survey of free-roaming cheetah
- Twentieth Conference of the Parties to CITES
Who we are
The members of the Scientific Authority include one representative from each of the nine provincial conservation agencies of South Africa, together with representatives from the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, SANBI, SANParks, and the National Zoological Garden.
SANBI is responsible for the logistical and administrative functions of the Scientific Authority, and also plays a scientific co-ordination role.
How to contact us
The Scientific Authority can be contacted via email: secretariat.scientificauthority@sanbi.org.za