Draft Hunting Trophy Quotas for 2026/27 Gazetted

Posted 06 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Environmental Law

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment (DFFE) has published draft provincial quotas for hunting trophies for the 2026 and 2027 periods, inviting public comment until 8 March 2026.

In terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, No. 10 of 2004, the proposed quotas regulate the hunting of specific species for trophy export purposes. The draft determinations are informed by regulations issued in 2010 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES). The notice outlines the maximum number of animals that may be hunted per province for the following species:

  • Elephant (Loxodonta africana);
  • Black Rhino (Diceros bicornis); and
  • Leopard (Panthera pardus).

The DFFE notes that while the black rhino and leopard are respectively categorised as ‘critically endangered’ and ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the elephant is currently listed as ‘of least concern’ in the South African context. The quotas are intended to ensure that the off-take remains sustainable and compliant with international trade obligations.

Submission of Comments

Stakeholders and interested parties are required to submit written representations or inputs regarding the proposed quotas to the Department. The deadline for all submissions is 8 March 2026. These inputs will be considered before the final quotas for the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons are confirmed and published in the Government Gazette.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual obligations; impact channelled through firm-level compliance and advisory services for environmental law practitioners.
  • For your business: Hunting outfitters and professional hunting associations must align their 2026/27 marketing and booking schedules with the proposed provincial limits to avoid over-subscription.
  • For your clients: Owners of private game reserves and wildlife ranchers must review the proposed provincial allocations and submit written representations by 8 March 2026 if the quotas affect their sustainable off-take plans or commercial viability.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/hunting-trophies-2026-27-elephant-black-rhino-leopard-quota-proposals-gazetted

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