Norms and Standards for the Trophy Hunting of Leopard in South Africa, 2023 (GoN. 3011 of 2023).

These Norms and Standards aim to regulate leopard trophy hunting to minimize its impact on population stability and ensure ecological sustainability. Notably, the "leopard hunting quota" herein refers specifically to the off-take quota, not the CITES export quota for hunting trophies. The provisions apply to the hunting of African leopards for trophy hunting purposes, regardless of whether (a) the hunt takes place on privately-owned land or state land; or (b) the hunter is a local hunter or a hunting client. Article 3 outlines the leopard trophy hunting quota and permit system. Annually, authorities allocate a single leopard quota per qualifying Leopard Hunting Zone (LHZ). All hunters must pass an exam (or show training proof) to assess male leopard age and demonstrate legal knowledge. A permit is always required for local hunters and hunting clients. Each hunt needs an individual permit, signed by the hunter pre-hunt and the landowner post-hunt, for trophy traceability. Provincial authorities may set minimum land sizes. Lastly, an LHZ may be restricted from further permits for the season if three permits are issued without a successful hunt. Article 4 details leopard hunt management, restricting hunters to adult males seven years or older and imposing a duty of care to prevent population disruption (hunting a female or underage male may result in quota loss for that LHZ). Hunters should use trail cameras for age/sex verification. Post-hunt, the outcome must be reported to an inspector within 12 hours. The inspector will inspect the carcass within 24 hours, collect a DNA sample for genetic profiling (at the hunter's expense), and, if criteria are met, issue a pre-approval tag for the trophy. After any leopard hunt (successful or not, and regardless of the leopard's age/sex), hunters must report detailed measurements, high-resolution photographs of the carcass and cleaned skull, and other required information to the issuing authority. This data is used by the Department to manage future leopard hunting quotas adaptively, and quotas may be withheld if complete reports are not submitted or if advised against by the Scientific Authority (Article 5).