There is one golden rule with regards to permits for indigenous reptiles in Gauteng. This rule is the following:
FOR ANY ACTIVITY INVOLVING INDIGENOUS REPTILES, VALID PERMITS FROM GAUTENG NATURE CONSERVATION SHALL BE OBTAINED.
All West Rand Herpetological Associations’ (WRHA) members, shall obtain the applicable permit prior to any activity involving indigenous reptiles. Non compliance, will damage our hobby, our relationship with Gauteng Nature Conservation and ultimately the name of our Association. Non compliance to not obtaining permits, will not be tolerated by the WRHA.
With the above said, I trust that no member will now try to say that they did not know!
So how does the permit system, WRHA and Gauteng Nature Conservation work?
Gauteng Nature Conservation requires that in order for you to apply for any permits, you shall be a member of a herpetological association. Once you have become a member of the WRHA, you must attend at least three meetings prior to submitting a permit application. All permit applications shall be forwarded to either the Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson in order to ensure that the permit application is correctly completed and then also to recommend your application before it is submitted to Nature Conservation.
The following permits are used for activities involving indigenous reptiles:
CPB 1 – Catch and release permit. This permit is valid for one year and it is important to adhere to all terms and conditions accompanying the permit. Furthermore, each and every time you apply for a CPB 1 permit, your valid Snake Handling Course shall be attached to your permit application. This permit will cost you R50,00
CPB 3 – Convey and Display permit. This permit is valid for one year and it is important to adhere to all terms and conditions accompanying the permit. This permit is to be used when snakes are transported for educational talks. This permit will cost you R50,00
CPB 4 – Keeping permit. When you apply for a keeping permit, you will pay R150,00. R50,00 is for a CPB 2 permit – a Convey permit. The CPB 2 permit is valid and used when an indigenous snake is transported from one address in Gauteng to your address in Gauteng. The other R100,00 is for the CPB 4 permit which will be your keeping permit and will be valid for two years.
CPB 5 – Export permit. This permit is used when snakes or other indigenous reptiles are exported to other provinces. The permit will cost you R50,00 and is normally valid for 60 days.
CPB 6 – Import permit. This permit is used when reptiles are imported into Gauteng from other provinces. Once you have received your animals, you then need to apply for a CPB 4 permit. The import will cost you R50,00 and is normally valid for 60 days. Please note that whenever animals are imported, an export permit will also be required from the province from where the animal will come from.
No permits will be issued to any person under the age of 18 years old by Gauteng Nature Conservation.
Certain animals like the African Rock Python and the East African Gaboon viper, are protected animals and requires a TOPS permit.
Please feel free to ask should you require any assistance when you complete an application or whenever you have any questions.