Conservation - Scientific Papers

[Matias]

South Africa’s wildlife ranches can offer solutions to Africa’s growing conservation challenges

Quote:Designated protected areas for wildlife – such as national parks – are the world’s principal conservation strategy. But this model to conserve wildlife in Africa is increasingly coming under pressure. Changing climates, volatile economies and political systems, conflicting sentiments around wildlife management practices (like trophy hunting) and unpredictable events, such as pandemics, are just some of the threats that undermine conservation efforts.

Many protected areas didn’t fare well during the pandemic, particularly across Africa. Ailing economies and restricted travel reduced the funding and tourism revenues on which many parks depend. As a result, half of surveyed parks across 19 African countries reported reductions in the protection of endangered species, field patrols and anti-poaching measures.

These impacts bring into question the resilience of protected areas where conservation is funded by donations, state budgets and, in some cases, ecotourism. Additional conservation models are called for.

One such model is wildlife ranching. We carried out a study which examined how wildlife ranches in South Africa responded to the impact of the pandemic. There are different types of wildlife ranches. They generate revenue from wildlife through a variety of activities including ecotourism, trophy and meat hunting, wildlife trade and meat sales. On some of these ranches, livestock shared sp

I have separated these three studies that are inserted in the article above (Link), which provide a panoramic view of the subject.

The economics and institutional economics of wildlife on private land in Africa

An assessment of the economic, social and conservation value of the wildlife ranching industry and its potential to support the green economy in South Africa

Can integrating wildlife and livestock enhance ecosystem services in central Kenya? Reply