Domestic trade in rhino horn could begin again this year after the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed a Department of Environmental Affairs' bid to uphold a ban on it yesterday. Farmers who own rhino think the move will allow them to recoup some of the expenses they have had to fork out in providing security, veterinary bills and other costs associated with keeping the endangered animals safe.According to Pelham Jones, chairman of the Private Rhino Owners' Association, providing security for rhinos cost owners more than R300-million a year."This is not working. Let's meet the demand cycle," Jones said. The decision is a setback to government's efforts to keep a lid on the domestic trade in rhino horn, which was imposed in 2009.It also comes just months ahead of a major UN conference on wildlife trade that South Africa is set to host.The domestic trade ban was challenged by rhino owners in court last year and the moratorium was overturned. Trade in SA's rhino horn stockpile could raise R29bnThe government will decide this month whether to push to end a global ban on buying and selling rhino horn, a move that could unlock a $2-billion (about R29-billion) bonanza for South Africa and determine the fate of a critically endangered species.Both buyers and sellers of rhino horn in South Africa still need to apply for a permit so the government can keep tabs on the commodity. Jones said legislation would control the process.However, Richard Thomas, spokesman for wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, said the decision went against initiatives to stop rhino poaching."The long-term solution is to stop the demand in Asia that fuels poaching. They have been able to reduce demand in South Korea, Japan and Yemen," he said.About 5000 rhino, or about 25% of South Africa's rhino population, are in private hands.The government has not revealed the size of its rhino horn stockpile, but the association estimates its members have about six tons in stock and reckons the state has close to 25 tons. Combined the stockpiles could fetch $2-billion (about R32-billion).A spokesman said the department would assess the judgment...