Roan breeders can lead in management of indigenous Southern Roan
Due to the scarcity of the Roan, there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm in the Roan circles – especially the endemic Southern Roan (Hippotragus Equinnis and Cottoni). This is according to Jacques Kriek, chairperson of the Roan and Sable Advisory Committee who also heads the Roan Action Group on the National Wildlife Forum.Kriek said that he will be giving feedback to the National Wildlife Forum as well as at the Wildlife Ranching South Africa Annual General Meeting (WRSA AGM)regarding the progress of the Roan Action Group on April 9, 2014.“I have come to deal with quite a number of cases involving farmers whom have unknowingly bought Western Roan or Hybrids in the past,” Kriek stated; adding that prior to DNA being required for permitting, a few Western Roan (Hippotragus Koba) were moved and this led to some farmers now having some Westerns or Hybrids.“Even with the current Mitochondrial DNA, some Hybrids were tested and identified as Southern due to the fact that the Mitochondrial DNA only tests maternal lines – in other words the mothers DNA.”Kriek said that this is about to change as the nuclear DNA (involving the testing both Maternal and Paternal lines) is now available and that this, along with the mitochondrial DNA, is now mandatory before certification will be issued as being Southern. The latter certification is needed before being able to legally issue a permit and move these animals. Due to the nuclear DNA now taking effect, some Hybrids that were previously missed have already been identified.Kriek stated that, should it be the case that Hybrids are identified in the population; farmers should immediately inform the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), their provincial Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) or Kriek himself as the involved farms might have to be monitored until all the Roan on the specific property have been tested and the status of all animals confirmed.
Kriek stated that “after numerous discussions with the Assistant Director at the Department of Enviroment and Nature Conservation, the Northern Cape and Freestate already require both results for the issuing of permits in 2014 and this will soon be a requirement on a national basis”, adding that the University of Johannesburg and the Joahnnesburg Zoo are in an agreement regarding the DNA testing of Roan – thus contributing to better prices and a decrease in turnaround time.“The idea is that; once all your animals are DNA tested; you can receive an accreditation under the WRSA RAC (Roan Advisory Committee) and this will ensure a premium on your animals as well as quicker turnaround time on permits.”Kriek also stated that discussions are currently underway on a national level to allow accredited breeders, who are in possession of DNA records on all their animals, to move their animals prior to the results being available when tested again for selling – provided that these animals are kept separate on the new owner’s farm until the results are gained. This will prevent the frequent darting of the animals.Kriek added: “For our records and for better regulation, it will be of great value to us if all the farmers can supply us with an estimate Roan herd size on their properties and notify us whether any Western/Hybrids have been tested in their herds thus far. Once we know the extent of the problem, we can formulate action plans. If we do not get the required cooperation we can apply for all results to be made available to DEAT immediately and act accordingly. The proper regulation will lead to an even higher demand and lower supply, in effect supporting higher prices in 2014”.Kriek urged game farmers to get involved and advised them to join the WRSA as the entity representing all game farmers in discussions on a national level regarding the legislations and policy formulation.“Please help us with this request so that the Roan breeders can lead in the proper management of our indigenous Southern Roan.”Attached is the current protocol which is in line with National framework and which is expected to be accepted without any changes shortly.
