Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 6 2017 i PRIVATE GAME | WILDLIFE RANCHING

Die welkome Kerstyd het weer aangebreek. Dit is nou die tyd om familiebande weer te verstewig. Hopelik is julle almal besig met ’n welverdiende vakansie! Vir diegene wat bevoorreg genoeg is om op hul plase te kan wees en die hordes lammers en kalwers te kan geniet, is dit ook ’n baie besonderse tyd. Die feestyd gee ’n mens nie net ’n blaaskans nie, maar dit is ook die ideale beplanningstyd wanneer jou kop skoon is om te dink aan die toekoms van jou wildboerdery en die beste tyd om jou Nuwejaarsplanne te beraam. ‘Canned hunting’ of geblikte jag... dit is sekerlik een van die mees gewraakte en gevaarlike praktyke wat voorheen in die leeubedryf plaasgevind het. Dit is dus elke wildboer en Suid-Afrikaner se plig om hulself TEEN geblikte…

Measurement is one of the most vital inputs to effective management. Although it is possible to manage without measurement, objective metrics and benchmarks provide invaluable means for assessing and improving management performance over time. Within the wildlife ranching industry, there are many useful ways to measure performance, in both physical and monetary terms. From the perspective of outsiders, such as policy-makers, various metrics are also important indicators of, for example, the contribution of the wildlife economy toward achieving socio-economic and environmental sustainability objectives. So, how does the wildlife ranching industry measure up? We can answer this question in more ways than one: by looking at the kinds of things that we might want to measure (and the tools and techniques for doing so), and by considering the kinds of standards…

Vir sommiges was dit ’n jaar van liefde en vreugde terwyl ander die aanslae van die lewe ervaar het en sommige geliefdes aan die dood moes afstaan. Ons gedagtes is met elk van julle. Dankie aan elkeen wat hierdie jaar deel was van die wildfamilie, hetsy as nuwe of gevestigde wildboer, as leser van ons tydskrif, of bloot iemand wat belangstelling toon. Dankie vir WRSA-lede wat, ten spyte van ’n moeilike jaar, betrokke geraak het op een of ander manier om ons organisasie en bedryf te laat groei. My wens is dat ons 2017 vaarwel roep in ’n gees van eensgesindheid, liefde, waardering en vrede, en met nuwe moed en vooruitsigte vir 2018. Mag julle ’n wonderlike Kerstyd vier en wees asseblief veilig, waar jul paaie julle ook al mag…

“What current legislation governs the production and processing of game meat?” Game-meat regulations have been in the pipeline for a decade – but there is strong intent from both government and the industry to solve legal challenges around the production of game meat for human consumption. Wildlife Ranching (WR) sat down with Dr Mphane Molefe, Director: Veterinary Public Health, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to discuss imminent changes that will allow ranchers to take game meat to market. “The Meat Safety Act requires that all meat goes through an abattoir.” WR Technically speaking, selling game meat for human consumption has been considered ‘illegal' as current legislation only provides for live animals being slaughtered at an abattoir (shot, dead game were not allowed into an abattoir), although in September…

Chairman of the Private Rhino Owners Association (PROA), Pelham Jones has over 30 years’ conservation experience and is a private reserve and rhino owner. In September 2009, PROA was established under his guidance and today it is recognised as a national body to lobby for and coordinate assistance to private reserves faced with ever-increasing poaching pressure. For more information, contact Pelham Jones: pelham@vibe.co.za “It must be remembered that no horn can be traded without a valid Possession Permit, Seller’s Permit and Buyer’s Permit issued in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, 2004 (NEMBA) as well as applicable provincial conservation legislation and a VGL DNA Analysis Certificate.” Dehorning rhino is one of the most important and effective measures we can take in reducing the risk of a…

Knives were one of the first tools ever fashioned by humans. Archaeological evidence suggests that we have been making knives, or knife-like tools, for over two million years. The first knives were undoubtedly used for hunting and general utility. The great-great-granddaddy of all blades was the hand-axe, sort of a Stone Age Swiss Army knife. It was used as a hammer, scraper, butchering and skinning knife, and even as a weapon. “Hunting requires several different knives for different purposes.” Later on, early humans learned that different blade shapes and cutting edges were better suited for different tasks, such as a trail point for skinning, a drop point for skinning or “caping”, etc. Of course, the stone materials severely limited the size and styles that could be made, but as we…

“Reptiles are some of the most fascinating but also feared animals that roam the earth.” Reptiles are some of the most fascinating but also feared animals that roam the earth. The reason for this might be because of their behaviour and physical attributes. Myths as well as misunderstandings about this remarkable group of animals can and are still contributing to people’s fear of them. Even with all the knowledge we have today compared to that in the past, people still see them as the enemy. There are more than 8 000 species of reptiles on earth and they can be found in almost all continents except in Antarctica. You might ask why? It is too cold for them to survive in such cold temperatures. Reptiles are coldblooded animals; not literally,…

“Your goal as a company is to have customer service that is notjust the best but legendary.”– Sam Walton As the end of the year and the festive season approaches, we would like to tell you a little bit more about one of our regular contributors, our very own ‘safari chef’, Belinda Strauss. She is going to share her insights on customer experience and satisfaction, of which she has an abundance of knowledge – as well as a personal festive-season recipe perfect for our warm summer weather. Belinda grew up in Namibia and, after matriculating in Cape Town, she studied at Hotel School in Johannesburg. Since then, her career has seen her travel to many exciting destinations, including London and Paris. Africa’s bushveld called her home again, however. Her adventures…

The Eastern Cape celebrated its ranching achievements on 28 October with its highly anticipated annual WRSA Eastern Cape Conference and Awards Dinner, held at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay. Provincial candidates for the awards were nominated by fellow game farmers with decades of experience and judged by a panel of independent industry professionals (three judges assessed the farms). “The rules are very strict, and our standards are very high,” said Gerhard Heyneke, the Chairman of WRSA in the Eastern Cape. Taking top honour as 2017 Eastern Cape Wildlife Rancher of the Year was Warrick Barnard of Woody Cape Wildlife. Founding Member and CEO of Woody Cape Wildlife, and founding member of the Signature Wildlife group, Barnard has played a fundamental role in game farming in the Eastern Cape –…

This year was another tough year for the wildlife industry. With factors such as major economic retraction and a countrywide drought, it is no surprise that the formal trade of animals through live game auctions reflected declines. This obviously leads one to ask the question: what does the future hold for the industry, particularly in 2018? At a macro level, the historic data showed that prior to 2012 both the number of animals as well as the turnover were relatively stable, showing a relatively stable cyclical pattern. After 2012, there was a considerable growth period that ended in 2015, followed by a decline ever since. As such, the total number of animals sold, as well as the related turnover achieved at published auctions during 2017, showed a decline compared to…

What makes South Africa a competitive trophy hunting destination? South Africa as a trophy hunting destination is facing stiff competition from some of our neighbouring countries. This should not be seen as all bad, since good competition sometimes forces an industry to rethink and develop better products and services; however, it remains paramount to understand why hunters hunt and do not hunt in specific destinations. This was one of the key reasons for undertaking this research, since we know that hunting creates job opportunities, promotes the country, alleviates poverty, makes a contribution to the conservation of our wildlife and generates millions of rands in revenue. Therefore, for South Africa, it is important to determine what aspects make the country a competitive trophy hunting destination, and why hunters prefer this country…

Wildlife Ranching (WR) was privileged to chat to Professor Robert (Bob) Swanepoel, a leading virologist who specialises in viral haemorrhagic fevers and zoonoses. He has investigated numerous outbreaks, including Ebola and Marburg disease epidemics, and has co-authored 203 publications. He graduated as a veterinarian at the University of Pretoria in 1960. He is currently working in a post-retirement capacity at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, on testing wild animals for a wide variety of viruses that affect vertebrates. WR Professor Robert, how did you come to be involved with viruses like Marburg and Ebola, which are zoonotic (animal-borne) diseases? Were you always interested in this aspect of virology? Prof. Robert: I intended to do postgraduate training in virology in the UK and ended up in Scotland, partly…

Driving through the beautiful Northern Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is breathtaking. Nestled amidst this mountainous scenery, 30km from Bergville and halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, is the location of a jewel called Kwaggashoek Game Lodge. This malaria-free area is a popular destination for guests wanting to experience the indescribable tranquillity the mountains offer, a wildlife sanctuary that harbours a wide variety of game and birds, and the most majestic sunrises and sunsets. “Twenty-eight dams were built to supply drinking water all year round to the various habitats and high mountainous areas.” Kwaggashoek was known for the large herds of zebra present when the farms were surveyed and mapped during the late 1890s. An abundance of other species was present on the unfenced farm at the time. This cattle farm…

OVERKILL: THE RACE TO SAVE AFRICA’S WILDLIFE Author: James Clarke Publisher: Penguin Random House ISBN-13: 978-1-77584-577-5 Recommended retail price: R180 Format: Paperback Pages: 195 Well-known South African journalist and author James Clarke tackles the disheartening subject of the fate of the world’s megafauna, 90% of which has already disappeared from the planet. While poaching and habitat loss have taken their toll, Africa is the last bastion for some of the remaining megafauna species and could be a preserve for them if properly managed by conservationists. Clarke examines the history, impact and future of megafauna in Africa in the various reserves and transfrontier parks. 1 BRING NATURE BACK TO THE CITY – HOW TO CONDUCT URBAN NATURE CONSERVATION Author: Ernest Wohlitz Publisher: Briza ISBN-13: 978-1-920217-61-7 Recommended retail price: R375 Format: A5…

Big data is dominating the world! You probably get a few unsolicited calls a week from companies trying to sell you a product or service, or – my very worst – a pre-recorded message. These companies probably got your telephone number from a database that they bought from another company without your knowledge. Put simply, information is a valuable commodity and the rise of Big Data is in its infancy. These annoying phone calls aside, there is a huge positive aspect to Big Data and the value that can be unlocked through interpretation and analysis. These measurement tools are the key to unlocking valuable information and can offer true perspectives on what would otherwise be guesswork and speculation. Policies, governance and legislation can be changed with enough data to cause…

ONS ALMAL SKULD HULLE ’N DANKIE! Dit is jaareinde; tradisioneel daardie tyd van die jaar wanneer erkenning aan mense gegee word vir hul prestasies en harde werk gedurende die afgelope jaar voor ’n welverdiende blaaskans. Dit is vir WRSA onmoontlik om al ons lede bymekaar te kry om ons waardering te kan oordra aan al ons direkteure, voorsitters van bedryfskamers, studiegroepe en advieskomitees, asook vrywilligers wat ons vereniging die afgelope jaar werklik gedien het. Eintlik gaan dit veel verder as die vereniging, want elke daad en elke opoffering was uiteindelik tot voordeel van elke persoon wat iewers in die wildsektorwaardeketting betrokke is. Daar was ure se beraadslaging, kopkrap en saamwerk aan kommentaar op voorgestelde regulasies en wette, dae se bywoning van regeringforums en ander gespreksgeleenthede, ’n magdom werk om ons…

Prices of game have in some cases dropped drastically over the past year, resulting in one of the most financially challenging times in our industry. A phrase commonly used prior to the prices dropping was: “Don’t worry about the cost of feeding, just sell a calf and you have paid for your food bill for a whole year.” This way of thinking has led to some farmers overstocking their camps, resulting in the camps being bare for four to five months into the year, forcing the farmers to purchase grass or lucerne hay to alleviate the problem and costing the farm a lot of money. Selling one or a few of the animals to pay for the food bill in this manner is not always possible anymore, and it is…

Wildlife Ranching (WR) sits down with PHASA president Dries van Coller to gain a clearer view of the background behind recent changes made to the industry body’s Constitution. First, WRSA congratulates you on your election as President of PHASA. WR Dries, please tell us how the rift in PHASA came about and what this means for the organisation? Dries: PHASA’s 2015 resolution to distance itself from all captive-bred lion breeding and hunting was not a legally enforceable one – even with the addition of two riders that indicated that any PHASA members participating in the hunting or marketing of captive-bred lions would face disciplinary action and possible expulsion from PHASA. PHASA members were asked to sign an affidavit to this effect if they wanted to retain their membership.…

The Cradock Hospice: Good Samaritan Home based in Cradock, Eastern Cape, was founded to assist and care for AIDS patients, vulnerable children and orphans. During 2008, Dr Peter Nalos and Bob Bell, hunters from Bakersfield, California, asked Tam Safaris how they could assist the children of Cradock. This invaluable question provided Tam Safaris with the opportunity to research, develop and implement a strategy to increase awareness of local community programmes and activities throughout Cradock. Tam Safaris and Murray Ranches immediately embarked on an incredible new journey. A non-governmental, not-for-profit conservation organisation was founded – The Amy Bell Charitable Trust. The trust operates in a unique manner as its programmes communicate the principles of sustainable living and education for vulnerable and orphaned children. The Group, consisting of the Tam Family and…