The unregulated nature of the commercial captive predator industry in South Africa: Insights gained using the PAIA process

South Africa has allowed the commercial captive breeding and trade of African lions (Panthera leo) and other large felids since the 1990s. However, publicly available information to quantify the extent and nature of this industry, as well as insight into the diversity of relevant provincial nature conservation statutes, are lacking. Our study reviewed the provincial regulations that govern the captive predator industry in South Africa and used the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain records held by the nine provincial departments regulating the captive breeding, keeping, and trade of large felids. The information obtained through the PAIA process was highly inconsistent across provincial borders, demonstrated the absence of standard operating procedures, and highlighted the convoluted and decentralised permitting systems. The research postulates that varying and sometimes conflicting provincial regulations can lead to further exploitation of legal loopholes and unregulated growth of the industry. In addition, provincial resources are inadequate for authorities to carry out their fundamental mandates of nature conservation. Although the PAIA process was challenging, the information received provided valuable insight into the unregulated nature of this industry and demonstrated major concerns in addressing the necessary challenges associated with animal welfare. Furthermore, with more than half of the PAIA requests either refused, rejected or ignored, the true magnitude and nature of South Africa’s commercial captive predator industry cannot be accurately quantified. The evidence from this study supports the notion of transitioning away from the commercial captive predator breeding industry, as intended by the South African government.

The extent and nature of the commercial captive lion industry in the Free State province, South Africa

The captive breeding of wildlife for commercial purposes is a controversial issue. In South Africa, the farming of African lions (Panthera leo) for commercial trade emerged in the early 1990s, partly as a conservation measure to reduce the decline in wild lion numbers while meeting increasing wildlife trade demands. In May 2021, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) announced plans to end the captive breeding of lions, keeping of lions in captivity, and the use of captive lions, their parts and derivatives for commercial trade. Here, we examined the commercial captive lion industry from 2017 to 2020 in the Free State province, the heart of the lion breeding industry. We document the extent of the industry and highlight a number of key management issues. Of particular concern were issues with microchip numbers, which are used to follow each registered lion from birth to death through the system and to avoid laundering of wild caught and/or non-registered lions. Of the 4,823 unique microchips that were identified, at least 11% could not be followed through the system. Additionally, a minimum of 199 microchip numbers may have been reused by permit holders, either on captivity, euthanasia, or transport permits, indicating potential non-compliance with the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations. We highlight further areas of concern that warrant additional attention for these types of activities that may cause management issues during the transition period and which may also be relevant for the keeping, breeding, and trading of other TOPS regulated species in South Africa, particularly big cat species.

Welfare concerns associated with captive lions (Panthera leo) and the implications for commercial lion farms in South Africa

Breeding and housing wild animals in captive environments can pose challenges for their welfare. In South Africa, thousands of lions (Panthera leo) are bred and raised at commercial captive breeding facilities, so called 'lion farms', for use in tourism, trophy hunting and traditional medicine. To gain a better understanding of the potential welfare challenges faced by lions on farms we reviewed 91 peer-reviewed articles relating to lion welfare, identified via a systematic review of the scientific literature. Across these studies, we identified 170 different terms relating to negative behaviours and physical health afflictions. The majority of these terms were associated with disease and injury (124; 73%), followed by negative behaviours (19; 11%), negative mental experiences (15; 9%), nutritional concerns (7; 4%), and environmental challenges or discomfort arising from the animal's surroundings (5; 3%). Of the 91 articles, 32 (35%) focused on data concerning captive lions. Only two studies focused specifically on data obtained from lion farms in South Africa, whilst the remainder reported on data collected from zoos, wildlife parks, sanctuaries, game reserves and private ownership. Our preliminary review of the scientific literature draws attention to some of the challenges associated with caring for lions in captivity, and outlines the potential significance of these welfare challenges for commercial lion farms. Our data highlight the apparent lack of scientific research involving captive lion welfare generally, particularly data collected at commercial breeding facilities in South Africa and the consequences this could have for the welfare of thousands of lions within the industry.

Ending Commercial Lion Farming in South Africa: A Gap Analysis Approach

Simple Summary

In South Africa, African lions (Panthera leo) are bred on farms for commercial purposes such as tourism, trophy hunting, and the international traditional medicine market. Despite its legal status, South Africa’s growing lion farming industry is a contentious issue. In 2020, a high-level panel was appointed to review the policies, legislation, and management of breeding, hunting, trade, and handling of four wildlife species, namely rhino, elephant, leopard, and lions. In May 2021, it was announced that the government will stop issuing permits to new entrants into this industry as well as the issuance of hunting permits and will start amending permit conditions to prohibit breeding and exclude tourism interactions with captive lions, effectively ending the lion farming industry. In order to follow this line of action, a comprehensive, well-managed plan will be required to ensure a responsible transition away from the current industry. Here, using a “gap analysis” management tool, we outline some of the key considerations necessary for a responsible, well-managed exit from the lion farming industry in South Africa. We compiled key background information about the current state of the industry and use this information to identify desired management states and specific steps that could facilitate a successful phase out of lion farming.

Abstract

African lions (Panthera leo) are commercially farmed across South Africa for sport hunting, tourism, and the international bone trade, primarily in Southeast Asia. Despite its legal status, South Africa’s growing lion farming industry is a contentious issue. In 2020 a high-level panel was initiated to review the policies, legislation, and management regarding the breeding, hunting, trade, and handling of four wildlife species, including lions. In May 2021, it was announced that the government intends to amend existing permit conditions to prohibit lion breeding and tourism interactions with captive lions, as well as to stop issuing permits to new entrants into the industry, effectively ending lion farming. In order to follow this line of action, a comprehensive, well-managed plan will be necessary to execute a responsible exit from the industry as it currently stands. Using a “gap analysis” management tool, we aim to: (1) outline some of the key considerations regarding the current state of the lion farming industry in South Africa; and (2) propose specific action steps that could be taken within five key areas (regulation, animal welfare, health and safety, equitability, and conservation) to help inform a responsible transition away from this type of wildlife farming in the biodiversity economy. For our gap analysis, we conducted a semi-systematic literature search to compile key background information about the current state of the industry. This information was then used to identify corresponding desired management states, and steps that could facilitate a successful phase out of lion farming in South Africa. We hope our approach helps identify key considerations for a responsible transition and can help aid decisions during the management of this process.

African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

Simple Summary

In South Africa, thousands of African lions are bred on farms for commercial purposes, such as tourism, trophy hunting, and traditional medicine. Lions on farms often have direct contact with people, such as farm workers and tourists. Such close contact between wild animals and humans creates opportunities for the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between animals and people). To help understand the health risks associated with lion farms, our study compiled a list of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) known to affect African lions. We reviewed 148 scientific papers and identified a total of 63 pathogens recorded in both wild and captive lions, most of which were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). This included pathogens that can be passed from lions to other animals and to humans. We also found a total of 83 diseases and clinical symptoms associated with these pathogens. Given that pathogens and their associated infectious diseases can cause harm to both animals and public health, we recommend that the lion farming industry in South Africa takes action to prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks.

Abstract

African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.

Do congruent apologies facilitate forgiveness?

Research largely supports the apology–forgiveness cycle, a process in which perpetrators’ post-transgression apologies are reciprocated with victims’ forgiveness. This cycle is often facilitated by the mere provision of an apology. Yet, there are times in which apologies may be rejected. We hypothesised that when apologies matched victims’ apology preferences (i.e., congruent apologies), victims would be more likely to accept them and self-report higher levels of forgiveness. Using an autobiographical transgression-recall approach, participants ( n = 102) provided self-report ratings on the apology they preferred receiving, the severity of the transgression, the type of apology they actually received from perpetrators, whether or not they accepted the apology offered to them, and forgiveness. Victims were more likely to accept apologies and report higher levels of forgiveness when perpetrators offered apologies that were congruent with victims’ preferred apologies, particularly apologies that met victims’ needs for empathy. The findings not only provide support for the apology–forgiveness cycle but also signify the importance of delivering apologies that meet the psychological needs of victims.

On the generation of oxirene and dimethyloxirene by retro-Diels–Alder reactions, and reactions of dimethyloxirene: a computational study

The isomerization of oxirene (oxacyclopropene) (1) to ketene, dimethyloxirene (7) to dimethylketene via the oxo carbene ("ketocarbene"), and the retro-Diels–Alder extrusion of oxirene and dimethyloxirene from their formal adducts (9 and 24, respectively) with benzene were studied computationally. All species were optimized at the MP2(fc)/6–31G(df,p) level; the species involving 1 were also subjected to MP2(fc)/6–31G(df,p) frequency and single-point CCSD(T)/6–31G(df,p) calculations. At the CCSD(T)/6–31G(df,p)//MP2(fc)/6–31G(df,p) level 1 isomerized to ketene in one step with a barrier of 2.8 kJ mol–1 and a reaction energy of –320.6 kJ mol–1. The extrusion of 1 from 9 had a late transition state and activation and reaction energies of 264.2 and 214.2 kJ mol–1, respectively, cf. cyclopropene extrusion from its adduct (192.3 and 95.9 kJ mol–1), indicating an antiaromatic destabilization energy of 214.2 – 95.9 = 118 kJ mol–1 for 1. The carbene 8 from ring-opening of 7 lay 10.9 kJ mol–1 above 7 (CCSD(T)/6–31G(df,p)//MP2(fc)/6–31G(df,p)), but the transition state could not be found; 8 isomerized to dimethylketene (252.7 kJ mol–1 below 7) with a barrier of 16.4 kJ mol–1, and to s-(Z)- and s-(E)-butenone with barriers of 28.5 and 35.4 kJ mol–1, respectively. The UV (TDDFT, B3P86/6–311++G**//MP2(fc)/6–31G(df,p)) spectra of 1 and 7 were calculated. Discrepancies were seen between the calculated IR spectra of 7 (bis(trifluoromethyl)oxirene) and perfluoro ethyl methyloxirene, and those attributed to these species in earlier matrix-isolation work. Key words: oxirene, dimethyloxirene, ab initio, retro-Diels–Alder, Diels–Alder.

Tests for aromaticity applied to the pentalenoquinones — A computational study

Criteria for aromaticity and antiaromaticity were applied to the four pentalenoquinones, 1,2-, 1,5-, 1,4-, and 1,6-pentalenoquinone, i.e., bicyclo[3.3.0]octa-4,6,8-triene-2,3-dione (7a), bicyclo[3.3.0]octa-3,5,8-triene-2,7-dione (7b), bicyclo[3.3.0]octa-1(5),3,7-triene-2,6-dione (7c), and bicyclo[3.3.0]octa-1(5),3,6-triene-2,8-dione (7d). Geometry optimizations and frequency calculations were done with the pBP/DN* DFT method as implemented in Spartan, and single-point HF/3-21G calculations to obtain Löwdin bond orders (Spartan), as well as HF/6-31G* NICS calculations (Gaussian 98) were also carried out. Geometries and bond orders, chemical hardness, and NICS values gave no definite indication of aromatic or antiaromatic character. However, homodesmotic ring-opening reactions to give acyclic analogues indicated that 7a and 7b are nonaromatic (resonance energies –11 and 5 kJ mol–1) while 7c and 7d are antiaromatic (resonance energies –83 and –54 kJ mol–1). The resonance energies were obtained with the aid of an estimate of the strain energy of the molecules 7 (86 kJ mol–1) by a novel extrapolation procedure on hydropentalenes. Calculated pBP/DN* activation energies for Diels–Alder reactions with ethyne and ethene placed 7a and 7b in an "unreactive" class similar to 1,3-butadiene and fulvene, and 7c and 7d in a "reactive" class, similar to cyclopentadienone.Key words: aromaticity, pentalenoquinones, DFT, hardness, NICS, homodesmotic, resonance energy, bicyclo[3.3.0]octatrienediones.