The demand for ordinary breeding stock for intensive breeding purposes leads to outrageous
prices of huntable animals which in turn has a
negative impact on the consumptive hunting
sector. Animals bred under these conditions cannot be hunted because it would be tantamount
to canned hunting - a reputational risk the hunting industry can ill afford.
ment of a Biodiversity Economy node that will include
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage
Park, various stewardship sites and private and communal areas around Ulundi. Linking all these areas can
create a protected area of approximately 150 000ha.
This initiative form part of an integrated land-use model that enables transformation and promotes economic
growth in rural communities.
At a game auction on 13 February 2015, ordinary impala ewes sold for R30 000 each. For hunting purposes
an impala ewe would cost between R800 and R1000.
“This drives the cost of consumptive hunting to unaffordable levels to the detriment of the hunting sector,”
said Fred Camphor, CEO of SAHGCA.
The Umfolozi Biodiversity Economy Initiative is in line
with the objectives highlighted in the National Development Plan and will provide opportunities for partnerships among government, communities and the private
sector to achieve national and provincial conservation
targets. It will create business and development opportunities that will generate sustainable job opportunities, build capabilities and enhance the capacity of all
sectors to address complex challenges of growing rural
economies.
There are approximately 300 000 consumptive hunters
in South Africa who contribute more than 74% of the
total annual income derived from the hunting and
wildlife sector. According to a recent study by the
Northwest University consumptive hunting was responsible for R6,3 billion of the R8,5 billion that the wildlife
and hunting sector contributed to the country’s economy in 2013.
Verdoorn said responsible wildlife utilisation is the cornerstone for economic growth and sustainable development. In November 2014, SAHGCA adopted a policy
position on intensive and selective breeding to enhance
or alter genetic char