Court rejects South Africa's appeal to halt rhino horn trade
South Africa has lost a legal challenge to prevent the resumption of international trade in rhino horn, a decision that could pave the way for the first legal exports in 16 years. The Pretoria High Court on Thursday dismissed an application by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to block a previous ruling that declared the global ban on rhino horn trade unconstitutional.
The case stems from a 2023 judgment by the same court, which found that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ban violated the rights of private rhino owners to trade their property. The government appealed, arguing that lifting the ban would increase poaching and harm conservation efforts.
Background of the legal battle
In 2009, South Africa imposed a domestic moratorium on rhino horn trade, aligning with the international CITES ban in place since 1977. However, private rhino owners, led by breeders John Hume and Johan Kruger, challenged the moratorium, claiming it infringed on their constitutional property rights. The 2023 ruling struck down the ban, but the government sought a stay pending appeal.
Thursday's decision rejected that stay, meaning the 2023 judgment stands unless overturned on appeal. The government has indicated it may take the case to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Potential impact on rhino conservation
Conservation groups have expressed alarm at the ruling. According to the World Wildlife Fund, South Africa is home to nearly 80% of the world's rhino population, with about 15,000 white rhinos and 4,000 black rhinos. Poaching has declined in recent years but remains a threat, with 394 rhinos killed in 2025, down from 1,215 in 2014.
“Legalizing trade could create a dangerous loophole for laundering poached horns,” said Dr. Jo Shaw, CEO of the Rhino Recovery Fund. “It risks undoing decades of conservation progress.”
However, proponents argue that regulated trade could fund conservation and reduce poaching by meeting demand from Asian markets, where rhino horn is used in traditional medicine. Hume, who owns the world's largest rhino farm with over 2,000 animals, has long advocated for legal trade.
What happens next
With the stay lifted, private owners can apply for permits to export rhino horn, though CITES approval is still required for international shipments. The South African government may impose stricter conditions, such as mandatory microchipping and DNA sampling. A final decision on the appeal could take years.
