Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 3 2018 i PRIVATE GAME | WILDLIFE RANCHING

Value and values: these are two very important words in the context of wildlife ranching. What is the value of wildlife ranching to the rancher, to the environment, to the country as the whole? These are issues we have dealt with in many articles over the past decade and again in this issue of Wildlife Ranching magazine. This value is realised in the four pillars of the industry, namely breeding, hunting (by local hunters for meat and/or trophies and foreign hunters mainly for trophies), ecotourism and products such as skins, leather, other artefacts and curios and of course game meat. The value of game ranching consists in not only the preservation and conservation of, but more importantly the promotion and expansion of biodiversity in the country. The aspect of where…

What is the value of wildlife ranching? To consider this question requires that we think about the meaning of the word ‘value’. The Oxford English Dictionary defines value as “the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth or usefulness of something”. For some people, value can be thought of in a material or monetary sense; for others, it may be thought of more broadly, in social, cultural or moral terms. Those who value wildlife do not necessarily value wildlife ranching. To reflect on the diverse values of wildlife and wildlife ranching exposes the roots of many contemporary social conflicts and policy concerns relating to the wildlife ranching industry. Understanding the nature of these diverse values is arguably not just interesting, but essential for the forward-thinking rancher. In…

“Information is quite simply raw data of any type; by contrast, intelligence is data that has been worked on, given added value or significance.” FROM INFORMATION TO INTELLIGENCE In support of a progressive, proactive and reactive approach to ensure farm safety and security, it’s of essence to explore information, intelligence and analysis in theoretical and practical terms. In Wildlife Ranching Issue 1, 2018, we published ‘Protection gap’. We also introduced Figure 1 as part of the article as a focal point for this series on farm safety and security. Before we can do this, we need to have some common understanding as to what the terms mean (see Figure 1). SOME DEFINITIONS OF THE THREE KEY TERMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. Information » Knowledge in raw…

“The aim of this article is not to print a lot of drawings of animal tracks but to give information on how to identify tracks.” The aim of this article is not to print a lot of drawings of animal tracks but to give information on how to identify tracks. There are numerous books, pamphlets and charts that illustrate the different tracks with lengths, width, strides and straddles, all information that has been collected over many years and by different people. Knowledge was passed on from hunter-gatherers, game rangers, guides, trackers and hunters. Many of them could have had a Master’s degree in this field (although some of them were illiterate). One aspect stands out in all the works that have been done: Very few of the illustrated tracks are…

“Investors in search of new investment frontiers are now in a position to consider the previously illegal and therefore inaccessible market of rhino-horn.” Investors in search of new investment frontiers are now in a position to consider the previously illegal and therefore inaccessible market of rhino-horn. “Since the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) lifted its moratorium on domestic rhino-horn trade in 2017, buying and selling rhino horn has been legal in South Africa – and with this in mind, a trading desk was established early this year to provide entry into the fledgling market,” says Pelham Jones, chairman of the Private Rhino Owners’ Association. CONSIGNMENT RHO56089 Rhino Horn Trade Africa (RHTA) provides a platform for buyers and sellers to trade in ‘clean’ and humanely acquired horn. Investors are invited to…

“Monate is a justifiably famous wedding and conference venue, with the emphasis squarely on a genuine bush experience.” Monate Game Lodge is extending its conservation footprint and expanding its offerings to guests in the process. Fiona Zerbst went exploring. The first thing you notice about Monate Game Lodge is the silence. This vast 3 000ha private game reserve in Limpopo is a short drive from nearby Nylstroom (Modimolle), 160km from Pretoria, but not long after you enter the imposing gate it feels as if it’s just you and the bushveld. If you’re a city dweller, the vastness can intimidate you – but after a day or so, you can’t imagine anything more wonderful than driving slowly among violet and confetti trees, hoping to see a curious waterbuck peering out of…

Bykans onmoontlik om te glo: Ons het reeds die halfjaarmerk vir 2018 bereik en ons is nog volstoom aan die gang. The following are just a few highlights of the WRSA activities of the past few months. WAT VERWAG DIE WILDBOER VAN DIE JAGTER? Wat ’n jagter van ’n wildboer verwag, is ’n baie algemene vraag wat sekerlik ook dikwels deur jagters gedebateer word wanneer hulle hul jaar se jagte beplan. Hierdie keer egter, is die vraag omgedraai en is WRSA versoek om lede van die Bosveldjagtersvereniging (BJV) se Waterbergtak in Nylstroom toe te spreek oor wat die wildboer van die jagter verwag. Ná beraadslaging met verskeie wildboere, kan die totale boodskap in twee hoofpunte opgesom word, naamlik respek en begrip. Die aanbieding en gesprekke ná afloop van ’n baie…

South African Weather Service is embarking on a joint multi-year project with the National Disaster Management Centre. INTRODUCTION More than 90% of disasters in South Africa are related to natural hazards that are caused by severe weather. Severe weather-related disasters lead to significant negative consequences for human livelihood, the economy or the environment, including lives lost, property damaged, or vital infrastructure disrupted. Damages exceeding R2.5bn were caused by eight severe weather systems in the Western Cape between 2003 and 2008. Globally, this is a problem that occurs despite the vast improvement in the science of weather forecasting by weather services over the last few decades. An accurate and timely weather forecast does not, however, guarantee safety of life or prevent major economic disruption. The main reason for this is the…

In the first two issues of Wildlife Ranching this year, I explained what terminology ecologists, nutritionists and other scientists use as baseline arguments in determining/calculating the edible component of the foliage available on a game farm, livestock farm and/ or game reserve. This article focus on what management on the farm can do to improve game-farming and game reserve systems, ensuring maximum plant and animal yield over time. “Animal numbers are normally controlled by hunting, live sales, culling or, if the game reserve is big enough, a combination of hunting and predation by carnivores.” INTRODUCTION Having one’s own piece of Africa is probably one of the biggest reasons for game farms and reserves coming into existence: the romantic dream of owning a piece of the continent where animals can still…

Extinction is a scary concept. The fact that a group of organisms can be pressured to such an extent that they get wiped out is a sobering thought. Yet even in today’s climate of heightened environmental awareness, extinctions do still occur; in fact, rates of extinctions have increased drastically over the past 100 years, thanks to human-induced pressures (Ceballos et al. 2015; Dirzo et al. 2014; Leakey and Lewis 1995). This happens through urban sprawl, spreading agricultural practices, pollution, exploitation (over-hunting), mismanagement and a disregard for the value of a species. Whether it is economic, environmental or social value, the loss will influence the way in which the species is perceived and treated. The bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) is a subspecies that was almost lost in this way. Fortunately, game-breeding…

“This information can contribute to the growth of the market, inform retailers on the needs of consumers, and provide information on the utilisation and marketing of this product.” The South African game-farming industry holds significant potential for all consumers. This industry should not only be associated with those who hunt annually, however; the potential for the utilisation of game meat should be better exploited for all South Africans and Africans. It is time that game meat becomes as popular as other meat sources and that more awareness is created around the benefits it provides. Food security is a growing concern in Africa and, in addition, consumers are making unhealthy food choices. The health benefits of game meat, the abundance of this meat source, and its export potential, are well-known. We…

“We should behave according to our values.” “Good decisions are founded upon consistent values.” “Successful organisations ensure that everyone is aligned around core values.” Core values are the fundamental beliefs of people or organisations – their highest priorities. There is a universal agreement that values are important. Values are the link between our needs and behaviour – the decisions we make and the actions we take. Identifying and defining your values will provide direction and create a competitive advantage for your business and your tourism teams. They will help you determine if you are on the right path to fulfilling your goals. You will need to choose the ones that are right for your organisation in an effort to excel. THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF VALUES TO CONSIDER TOWARDS…

In this issue of Wildlife Ranching magazine, our expert contributors focus on both value and values. These are important terms when it comes to success – and they are highly relevant to the wildlife ranching sector. In our lead cover article, ‘Questions of value’, Michael ’t Sas-Rolfes states that understanding the nature of diverse values is arguably not just interesting, but essential for the forward-thinking rancher. He makes an important concluding statement: “To realise the true value of wildlife ranching means not only recognising and enhancing its economic value to society, but also accommodating – and reducing the conflicts between – a wider range of values.” Safety and security are important aspects to all and underpinned by values.JC Strauss introduces our readers to a series on farm safety and security…

Buffalo breeding bulls can be a handful – but Titan, an older breeding bull that was originally bred by Pieter Prinsloo of Pymat Game Breeders, is anything but. “He has a very good temperament and has fitted into my herd very well,” says Sollie Potgieter, owner of Burkea Wild (Sollie’s legendary eland, King Dawid, appeared on the cover of Wildlife Ranching Issue 2, 2018). Sollie bought Titan from Tambotie Floodlands game breeder Peter Bellingham, who had to sell him to avoid inbreeding. “I believe in buying bulls with a proven track record. I want to see the progeny of a bull before I consider using him for breeding purposes,” says Sollie. “With the price of buffalo, it is high risk to buy a bull without knowing anything about his progeny.…

“This is WRSA’s contribution to transformation in the Naboom Chamber.” Castle de Wildt in Modimolle was a hive of activity when WRSA’s Naboom Chamber held its bi-annual training day for farm workers on 9 May 2018, sponsored by Norman Adami of Nyumbu Game. Some 220 farm workers attended the courses, which provided them with hands-on skills of inestimable value for themselves and the farms where they are employed. “Workers could choose to attend three of the six courses on offer: basic First Aid, etiquette and postmortem analysis, basic electricity, plumbing and the service and use of tractors and implements,” said Naboom chairman Malan Davey. This was the eighth training day organised by the Chamber. The courses change every year, allowing one worker to complete all six courses during the two…

An example of such a forecast for the flash-flood event that occurred in Port Alfred in October 2012 is shown in Figure 2 (right). By combining the indicators for flood vulnerability (top-left panel) with the outlook of potential flash floods in the next 18 hours (top-right panel) a forecast of potential impact risk levels can be made (lower-right panel). The red circles indicate the town of Port Alfred on the maps. Three areas of higher risk for adverse impacts (dark-blue areas in the bottom panel) can be clearly seen. The dark-blue circles indicate an area of higher flood likelihood than Port Alfred, but with a lower risk of adverse impacts due to its lower social and structural vulnerability to flash floods.…

“Values to live by : quality, competency, empowerment, honesty, promptness, skills development, and being client-orientated.” – Sollie Potgieter Sollie Potgieter, who is best-known in the game-ranching industry for his impressive eland, has a number of successful businesses to his name. Although he is a farmer who takes great pride in his buffalo, gemsbok and Matetsi sable (Burkea Wild specialises in game breeding), he is also a seasoned businessman with around 35 years’ experience in the corporate world. He initially worked for public enterprises but quickly realised that he preferred to work for himself. “I started totally from scratch, in a small manner,” he recalls, from his office in Pretoria, which is dominated by an enormous painting of his iconic eland, King Dawid. “During the Soweto uprising in the Seventies, business…

Author: Mike la Grange Published by: Van Schaik ISBN: 978-0-627-02611-9 Format: Soft cover Recommended retail price: R670 THE CAPTURE, CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF WILDLIFE This is the fifth edition of Mike la Grange’s book on the capture, care and management of wildlife, which was originally published in 2006. La Grange was formerly involved in the Rhodesian Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management, where a paucity of resources forced him to be innovative. The author gained a wealth of experience in Zimbabwe, including in elephant culling, before moving on to work in the private industry. This book is a comprehensive outline of the whole capture process, from the ethics of the procedure to the nuts and bolts of capture, including planning, drugs used, darting, mass capture systems, transport, vehicles, helicopters,…

“Veterinarians must maintain their professional independence, morals, and ethics.” A number of years ago, in 2012, to be precise, The South African Veterinary Council amended Rule 10 of the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act, Act 19 of 1982. WRSA objected vehemently and initiated legal steps, which cost a significant amount. Unfortunately, a further amendment to the rules to accommodate the (Compulsory Community Service) CCS vets meant that after all the money spent and all the effort put in, especially by Dr Gert Dry, WRSA would have to start again from scratch. It was then decided to stop the legal action. These changes and others have left a lot of questions in the minds of vets and farmers as to what is legal and what is not, and what may or…

“The hunting market is integral to the game industry.” Photographs courtesy African Field Sports. African Field Sports is the elite of African hunting safaris and offers the hunter a memorable hunting experience. Nationality of hunters: American Date of hunt: May 2018 Outfitter: African Field Sports For more information, visit www.africanfieldsports.co.za The correction in the game-breeding industry has not been all doom and gloom, as there has been a definite upturn in the hunting demand, in both the local and foreign markets. As we all know, the hunting market is integral to the game industry. We cannot be sure whether the former positive upturn in the hunting market was attributable to the increase in available animals, and/or increase in species selection, or change in political circles, for example. What we can…

After all this inspiring talk, let’s go into the kitchen for a while. You might ask what values are needed to become a successful chef. » Love for the job, more love for the job, and most important, love on the job – to work a 12-hour day, you have to love it. » Train with a top chef in a top kitchen for at least two years, then change to another top chef and do the same again. » Move around to different areas in the kitchen – cook pastries, cook meat, cook fish, cook starters, and make sauces. » Devote most of your free time to learning new things. » Visit different regions of the world. » Finally, put in 100% effort!…

“Creating value for humanity should not be an afterthought but a core business strategy.” Bobotie (boh-BOH-tee), one of our national dishes, is easy to make, meaty, a touch sweet and very comforting. Makes 12 individual phyllo boboties (you will need 2 large muffin pans, which hold 6 muffins each). Ingredients 30ml butter 30ml olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 2 medium carrots, finely grated 1 stick celery, thinly sliced 6 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 5ml turmeric powder 5ml fresh ginger, chopped 30ml masala or mild curry powder (depending on how spicy you like your food) 1kg wildebeest, minced (any kind of venison will be perfect) 250ml rosé wine 250ml fruity curry sauce (any of the store-bought curry cook-in sauces) Salt and black pepper, freshly ground…

“Unrivalled views – that’s what the 300m high Schapenberg just outside Somerset West affords Waterkloof Wine Estate with.” Location, location, location! Add biodynamic and organic viticulture practices to the maritime climate and altitude; build an eye-catching yet practical wine-cellar-cum-tourist-venue; appoint the right staff... and voilá! Don’t be surprised if you attract a huge amount of attention. Unrivalled views – that’s what the 300m high Schapenberg just outside Somerset West affords Waterkloof Wine Estate with. Forming part of the foothills between the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains and the northeastern shores of False Bay, Schapenberg got its name when former Cape Colony Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel started grazing his sheep there. Having searched the world’s classic wine-growing regions, French-born Paul Boutinot, an international investor, selected this coveted piece of land…

Fiona Zerbst chats to Professor Piet du Plessis, former director of research and conservation at WRSA, about hunting with the ‡Khomani San, game-ranch management and the future of the game industry. WR Prof Piet, you lectured in Management Accounting at UNISA for a few decades, but you also have more than 30 years’ experience in the wildlife industry in South Africa and hold a PhD in the economics of wildlife ranching. What attracted you to the industry? Prof Piet: Wildlife and the outdoors have always been very important to me. I have a small farm in Nylstroom – currently, I have game on the farm but my sons also have cattle and goats! Over the years, I have put together a lot of management plans for game ranches and helped…