BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLANS: AFRICAN LION (PANTHERA LEO)
Title: Biodiversity management plan for the African Lion
Government Notice: GNR 1190 in GG 39468 of 2 December 2015
Date of commencement: 2 December 2015
Potentially affected controls: Applications for authorisation in terms of NEMA and NEMBA
The African Lion is listed as ‘’vulnerable’’ in terms of section 56(1) of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. Additionally, the African Lion is protected under Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). NEMBA makes provision for the development of Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) for Species and Ecosystems in need of protection. A BMP is a tool to guide the management of indigenous species (and any sub-specific taxa) and groupings of indigenous species that are adversely affected by similar threats and enables the evaluation of progress with regard to such management.
The aim of a BMP is to ensure the long-term survival in nature of the species (and any sub-specific taxa) to which the plan relates. They enable the evaluation of conservation progress and management. The BMP also sets out key actions and strategies needed to ensure that monitoring, protection, conservation and sustainable management of the species will contribute to meeting conservation goals and contribute towards meeting the long-term vision for conservation of the species in question. BMP’s form part of a dynamic and continuing management planning process and allows for review and monitoring of actions to accommodate changing priorities and emerging issues. However, they are only as good as their implementation which is why it is important to evaluate success of plans against indicators of success and measurable targets identified in the plans, and adapt accordingly. The purpose of the plan, in terms of NEMBA, is to provide for the responsible person, organization or organ of state responsible to monitor and report on the progress with implementation of the plan; and to be consistent with NEMBA, the National Environmental Management Principles, the National Biodiversity Framework, any relevant international agreement, and any other relevant environmental management plans.
This BMP contains details on the following aspects:
• Conservation status and legislative context;
• Species details;
• Vision and objectives of the BMP;
• A Managed Meta-Population Plan for Managed Wild Lions; and
• Monitoring and evaluation.
