Namibia - No More CITES Permits for Leopard in 2009
Just saw this news yesterday: The Namibian MET has placed a moratorium on issuing CITES Export Permits for the remainder of 2009 on Leopard. Apparently, the Export Quota assigned to Namibia (250 Leopard per year) has been reached, which is the reason for this course of action.
It seems this problem stems from the quota being exceeded for 2008 and the excess was rolled-over into this year. Because of this, the actual number of permits issued for 2009 was less than 250. You can still hunt Leopard there this year but, unless your outfitter/PH had already applied for a permit, you won't be able to export the trophy until next year at the earliest. (Of course this only applies to Trophy Leopard, not PAC hunts.)
Hope a trend isn't developing here as I was very close to booking a Leopard hunt in Namibia for 2010. Now I am a little less enthusiastic.
If anyone here has any further info., it would be great to hear.
Leopard Hunting Permit Issuance Halted In Namibia For The Remainder Of 2009
Leopard Hunting Permit Issuance Halted In Namibia For The Remainder Of 2009
Without previous notice, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) has stopped issuing Leopard hunting permits for the rest of the 2009 hunting season in Namibia, just as they did with Cheetah earlier this year.
The news came from the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) effective June 15th, 2009.
If you are booked on a Leopard hunt in Namibia for this 2009 hunting season, make sure to contact your hunting outfitter or booking agent to find out what your options are and if your hunting outfitter has applied and already received a Leopard hunting permit for you.