Curious...

What is the history of PG Trophy Hunting in Namibia?

At one time was much of the wildlife/PG wiped-out initially to raise cattle?

Did the times of war have a negative impact on wildlife/PG there?

Just trying to get a better understanding as now I'm certain to be back in a year or two for PG...it's such a beautiful country and wonderful people

I discuss it a bit HERE: (excerpt ... In 1967 the nation of what was then German Southwest Africa (now Namibia) gave de-facto ownership of wildlife over to landowners - sparking a revolution in game ranching. It was so successful, both ecologically and economically, that it was copied 10 years later by Zimbabwe and a year after that by South Africa, which now has over 9,000 game ranches covering about 17% of the entire land mass of that nation.")

The best history is probably HERE and there's some more history HERE and HERE.

Have fun!

S.

Shame Sir Robert sent Zim's games farms to hell in a handbasket!
You can't kill a Sable where I got my first.....as a matter of fact , you cant kill anything there as nothing is left!

quote:

Originally posted by SteveGl:
I discuss it a bit HERE: (excerpt ... In 1967 the nation of what was then German Southwest Africa (now Namibia) gave de-facto ownership of wildlife over to landowners - sparking a revolution in game ranching. It was so successful, both ecologically and economically, that it was copied 10 years later by Zimbabwe and a year after that by South Africa, which now has over 9,000 game ranches covering about 17% of the entire land mass of that nation.")

The best history is probably HERE and there's some more history HERE and HERE.

Have fun!

S.

Thanks a bunch ...just the kind of info I was looking for..

You're welcome, Late ... and if you haven't yet exhausted your curiosity, a new report was just released by TRAFFIC on the subject.

This report could be significant as TRAFFIC is the wildlife trade monitoring arm of CITES and it is fully supportive of game ranching and trophy hunting, even recommending that trade in wildlife products be promoted and expanded.

The report can be read HERE.

(TRAFFIC = Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce)

Game meat could be money spinner - by Irene !Hoaës



WINDHOEK – Namibia’s potential in wildlife-based land use (WBLU) has not yet been fully harnessed despite its huge potential as a money-spinner.

This information is contained in a recent TRAFFIC East and Southern Africa Report, “An Analysis of Game Meat Production and Wildlife-Based Land Uses on Freehold Land in Namibia: Links with Food Security.”

According to the study, earnings from game meat in Namibia are N$177 million per year, 40 times more than previously recognised.

Researcher, Peter Lindsey said the earnings could be much higher if a greater proportion of game meat is exported.

It is estimated that the full exploitation of export potential could generate an additional $440 million per annum.

Approximately 15 to 22 million kilogrammes of game meat are produced annually on freehold land only.

Unlike meat from domestic animals (87 percent exported), most game meat, about 99 percent, is locally consumed.

“Owing to the expansion of trophy hunting and ecotourism, the economic output of wildlife on freehold land is approaching that of livestock, despite veterinary policies favouring livestock production,” Lindsey said.

Moreover, prices for game meat obtained by farmers have gone up by 45 percent in the last two to three years.

However, the prices obtained by game meat farmers are lower than those of livestock farmers.

Ironically, the price of game meat in stores is higher than that of domestic animals, it is revealed.

Wildlife populations in Namibia are said to be much higher than previously thought.

Previous estimates of animals such as the warthog was approximately 180 000, while current estimates put the figure at more than 700 000.

Current estimates of both the oryx and kudu are close to 700 000, while previous estimates were at slightly less than 400 000.

Among the most important game meat sources are oryx, kudu, springbok, hartebeest and zebra.

Lindsey further stated that WBLU is likely to be less affected by climate change than livestock farming.

The farming method is expected to increase in prevalence in future and may exceed the economic contribution of livestock farming in the near or medium future.

The study revealed that WBLU positively correlates with employment, as it associates with more and higher quality employment than livestock farming in semi-arid areas (southern Namibia).

This trend, according to the study, is the same in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

WBLU has reportedly replaced livestock farming in some semi-arid areas of South Africa and (formerly) Zimbabwe.

In Namibia, however, wildlife farmers have retained livestock on their farms.

Lindsey said another factor in favour of WBLU in Namibia, is the fact that wildlife is becoming scarce elsewhere.

The sector’s full potential is however hampered by certain legislation, e.g.
veterinary restrictions preventing the reintroduction of buffaloes, which is viewed as the single most important specie for generating returns from WBLU.

L-B,

One of the great causes of the switch from cattle-ranching to game farming was the weather in Namibia. With its cycle of adequate rain and drought, cattle farmers were headed for bankruptcy every decade. Yes, there are major acquifers under Namibia, but that does not help feed cattle when the grass, and even the Shepherd's bush and its noxious cousin, the smelly Shepherd's bush die off.

Somewhere in the 90s, as I recall, farmers figured it out and have made Namibia a great hunting destination and family vacation place what with its scenery, coastline and history.

Regards, Tim

Steve
Kathi
Tim

Great information...
Thank you