Damning allegations have surfaced over processes at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), suggesting serious loopholes especially in dealing with independent researchers for predators and other endangered species in the country. Skeletons are tumbling out of the closet as highly placed sources at DWNP allege that although there is an independent research policy in the department, no proper monitoring is done to ensure compliance. DWNP is accused of issuing permits for researchers but failing to monitor if they are adhering to the Independent Research Policy. Every year, DWNP issues research licenses on various animals predominantly predators and endangered species to researchers around the world and according to sources, they do not report to DWNP veterinarian upon completion of their studies. “One specific example is the data that was never availed to Department of Wildlife and National Parks by one Christian Winterbach and his team after conducting lion surveys in 1998 and 2000. Even up to date no progress report has been submitted,” the source alleges. No theft Sources further claim that for the past ten years, DWNP has been issuing independent researchers with research permits which are ambiguous, creating room for unscrupolous conduct of rampant stealing of specimen…