Permits

The permit is issued to Dr Julien Benoir (Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand) to temporarily export six (6) skulls of fossil therapsid specimens from the Karoo for synchrotron scanning at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France. It is noted that specimen BP/1/5735 is the holotype of the biarmosuchian Pachydectes elsi and is thus considered sensitive material. The material is currently housed at the Evolutionary Studies Institute.

Conditions:

1. Only the selected representatives of the material stored in the collection may be exported.

2. The material must be carefully packed and all packaging must be clearly marked with the name of the site (if known), and the name and address of the permit holder or the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI).

3. Specimens BP/1/5735, BP/1/7141 and BP/1/8125 will be hand carried to and from the ESRF by Julien Benoit, Andrew Bolton and Luke Norton. Specimens BP/1/8656, BP/1/1370 and BP/1/1575 will be transported by air cargo to the ESRF and back using DHL Air Economy.

4. Dr Vincent Fernandez is responsible for the analysis of the material, and Dr Julien Benoit for its transport to and from the above mentioned institutions/collections.

5. The material must be used for study purposes only, and may not be sold or exchanged.

6. The material may not be loaned to any person or institution other than the above stated participants in the study, without the consent of SAHRA.

7. No destructive analysis or sampling may be undertaken.

8. A report on the activities undertaken in terms of this permit must be emailed to apmpermitreports@sahra.org.za before 31 July 2024 using the template in the following link: https://sahris.sahra.org.za/content/apmpermitreports.

9. Copies of any papers that may result from the export of the material must be lodged with SAHRA.

10. SAHRA shall not be liable for any losses, damages or injuries to persons or properties as a result of any activities in connection with this permit.

11. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit by notice to the permit holder.

12. Should any legal proceedings arise with regard to this permit or the transport and loan of the material, these proceedings must be addressed within in the South African legislative framework.

13. Request to renew permits must be done at least two months prior to the expiry of the existing permit.