Sending Tarantulas to South Africa

[Paul Claven]

I am hoping that someone concerned with one of the many dealers I have read about on the forum recently, or perhaps one of the BTS Exhibition dealers can assist me:

I have very little - legal - access to T's in RSA and was wondering if anyone has ever shipped any to a customer here, or perhaps knows anything of the legalities of importing into the country.

I can. of course, contact Customs, but this can be less than fruitful, so if you have any ready knowledge in this line, please help!

Regards
Paul

[Richard Gallon]

Hi Paul,
To the best of my knowledge it's illegal to import (& keep) exotic theraphosids into South Africa. The reason behind this is to prevent the escape and possible establishment of problematic non-native species (given that the RSA climate would favour the establishment of some species kept in captivity).

I'd recommend you contact Gauteng Nature Conservation for advice on the matter. Although I'm almost certain they'll confirm what I have said.

All the best,
Richard

[Paul Claven]

Hi Paul,
To the best of my knowledge it's illegal to import (& keep) exotic theraphosids into South Africa. The reason behind this is to prevent the escape and possible establishment of problematic non-native species (given that the RSA climate would favour the establishment of some species kept in captivity).

I'd recommend you contact Gauteng Nature Conservation for advice on the matter. Although I'm almost certain they'll confirm what I have said.

All the best,
Richard

Hi Richard

Sounds like good advice and I'll certainly try GNC, but what made me dubious, is the claim by local pet shops that it's fine to own theraphosids, provided they are captive bred, but not to import them (!)

One wonders how a captive breeding programme can start without Alpha Breeders...LOL

Regards
Paul