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
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