Section 36: Special Technical Committee

36. Special Technical Committee (1) There shall, for the purpose of controlling wildlife in Mauritius, be a Special Technical Committee. (2) Where any species of wildlife has attained pest status and the Special Technical Committee advises that control is necessary, such species may, in the national interest, be controlled for such period and in such manner as the Special Technical Committee may determine. (3) The Special Technical Committee shall consist of— (a) the Director or his representative, as Chairperson; (b) the Director, General Health Services or his representative; N30A – 19 [Issue 8] Native Terrestrial Biodiversity and National Parks Act (c) the Conservator of Forests or his representative; (d) the Principal Veterinary Officer or his representative; (e) a representative of the University of Mauritius; (f) a representative of a non-governmental organisation involved in terrestrial biodiversity conservation; and (g) a member of the public having wide knowledge in biodiversity conservation. (4) The members referred to in subsections 3 (f) and (g) shall— (a) be appointed by the Minister; (b) hold office for a period of 2 years; (c) be eligible for reappointment. (5) At any meeting of the Special Technical Committee, 5 members shall constitute a quorum. (6) The Special Technical Committee shall otherwise regulate its meetings and proceedings in such manner as it may determine. (7) For the purpose of subsection (1), a species shall be considered to have attained pest status where— (a) the population of the said species has attained high numbers; and (b) the Special Technical Committee advises that control is necessary in the national interest. (8) Control of species under subsection (1) or (2)— (a) may only be effected with the written authorisation of the Minister; and (b) shall be carried out under the authority of the Director.