Table Mountain tahrs culled

THE majority of the Table Mountain tahrs were culled yesterday, as had been planned by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) accompanied the South African National Parks (SANParks) to the removal operation of 109 of the animals, as previously agreed with the two organisations. "Our objective is to ensure that the removal of the Himalayan Tahr is achieved through humane means, what was observed today satisfied our criteria. We will continue to conduct inspections from time to time until the removal programme is complete. Once done we will file a report of our findings," says Rick Allan, manager of the NSPCA's National Wildlife Unit. SANParks ce David Mabunda added: "We are happy that the NSPCA has had the opportunity to observe this operation as their sanction will serve to underscore our own belief that we are acting in the most humane way possible under these circumstances". Mabunda said that 95% of the operation is now complete. (Lucy Siebert)