An evaluation of different extensive wildlife production systems in the Western Cape Province of South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The wildlife industry in the Western Cape Province is growing, but lacks, particularly, economicresearch. This study explores the manner in which wildlife production systems in the WesternCape are currently operated and describes the characteristics of this industry. Furthermore,results on the evaluation of identified typical wildlife production systems in different regions of theWestern Cape are revealed together with critical factors influencing success.No confusion remains regarding the importance of this industry. Wildlife production units cover anoteworthy percentage of the total area and are evenly spread within the province. The industrygrew rapidly in the past 10 years and with a high diversity of at least 37 different wildlife species;ecotourism, hunting and live sales are the most prominent ways of utilising wildlife. This industryalso contributes in terms of job opportunities supplied.The two typical systems evaluated are the biltong hunting system in the Beaufort West region andthe trophy hunting system in the Southern Cape region. The biltong hunting system has beenshown to be profitable, though it realises skimpy profits. It is, however, successful by virtue of thefact that wildlife producers perceive the wildlife enterprise as additional income to livestockproduction, almost without any additional costs. Although the gross margin per large stock unit ishigh, the trophy hunting system is not profitable and runs at a loss. The main problem is theoverhead costs that exceed the gross margin, due to too low a number of wildlife speciesmarketed. The industry in this region is, according to wildlife producers, hampered by legislationand regulations, which limit the variety of species allowed in the region. These wildlife producersmanage their system on a part-time basis and fund it from other income sources.The Department of Agriculture is urged to assist the wildlife industry in the form of research on theeconomic, ecological and social impacts of this industry to determine its full contribution andcapacity. Although wildlife producers contribute towards conservation and the application of soundconservation principles is important to them, they need to generate an income from wildlifeproduction in order to make a living out of it, which ultimately makes it worth their while. Despitethe systemic problems of a number of wildlife production systems, some wildlife producers are ofthe opinion that the pressure experienced in terms of legislation, makes it harder for them (in someregions more than other) to manage their wildlife production units in a profitable manner. Althoughthe main objectives of government conservation authorities and wildlife producers might differ, thecontribution of both towards conservation serves as common ground. It is therefore suggested thata joint approach is followed between government conservation authorities, the Department ofAgriculture and wildlife producers to further develop the wildlife industry.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University