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 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 27 meetings of the Scientific Authority have been convened, the last of which was held in Pretoria on the 1st and 2ndof October 2025. The following matters are currently under discussion by the Scientific Authority:
- The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES
- Status of non detriment findings
- Harvest and monitoring plans for blue duiker
- Quotas for leopard, black rhino and elephant
- African Grey parrot DNA parentage verification
- CITES trade reporting
- Lion metapopulation updates
- Status, harvesting and aquaculture of abalone
- Export of lion bones
- Bontebok, roan and sable wildness assessments
- International trade in South Africa’s succulent flora
- Effectiveness of 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