Tarantulas.co.za's Policy on Protected Species
The larger Theraphosidae (baboon spiders) are in great demand as pets and are consequently regarded as commercially threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (De Wet & Schoonbee, 1991). It is suspected that the demand for South African theraphosid spiders has increased since the Mexican red-kneed tarantula was placed on the Appendix II of the Conservation of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). In February 1987 three theraphosid genera Ceratogyrus, Harpactira and Pterinochilus were added to Schedule VII of the Transvaal Provincial Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1983 as Protected Invertebrate Animals. At present all the Provinces of South Africa follow this recommendation as a guideline and permits are needed to collect and transport the above genera in South Africa (Dippenaar-Schoeman, 2002).
It is illegal in South Africa to keep the aforementioned species without permits.
For our international members should you have any of the mentioned species please clearly state your location to avoid any confusion.
Trading in or advertising of indigenous/banned species of any kind is strictly prohibited.
In contravention and/or violation of the above, a member will receive one warning via a private message from any one of the administrators.
Should correction not be made by said member, the member will receive a final warning.
Should correction not be made by said member, the member will be banned from this forum.
P.S - It was just brought under my attention that the newest list though includes Augacephalus, Harpactirella, Idiothele added to the Ceratogyrus, Pterinochilus and Harpactira.
TH