An Overview Of The Global Wildlife Trade
Stockfarm|July 2020
The global trade in wildlife products is an enormous industry. While information relating to the illicit trade of these products is freely available, figures pertaining to legitimate trade rarely makes the headlines. According to global customs statistics released in 2012, wildlife products worth $187 billion were imported worldwide and the value of wild animals, excluding fish and plant products, amounted to approximately $3 billion.
Andries Gouws
An Overview Of The Global Wildlife Trade

Scientists say, however, that these figures are much higher as it does not include countries’ domestic trade and not all customs unions disclose their figures. In addition, it is estimated that around 50% of plant products and 70% of animal products are likely imported by way of general categories.

According to reports in the European media, for example, the legitimate trade in wildlife products in the European Union alone is worth over €100 billion.

Impact of trophy hunting

In a research paper on the economic impact of trophy hunting in South Africa published in 2018, Andrea Saayman writes that according to research, the impact of deer hunting on the economy of Mississippi in the United States, ranges from $761 million to $1,03 billion and creates between 26 489 and 37 888 temporary and full-time jobs. There are 13 states in the American South that directly benefit from the hunting industry.

Adri Kitshoff-Botha, CEO of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), says research conducted by North-West University in 2018, estimates the economic value of the South African hunting industry at around R11,6 billion a year. According to the latest figures (made available in 2018) from the Department of Environmental Affairs, the contribution of international hunters to species and day costs alone, amounts to R2,1 billion per year.

Impact on other industries

Apart from the direct income the game industry generates, there are numerous fringe benefits that trickle down to other industries. Andrea writes that every hunter who visits South Africa, spends roughly R500 000 during his visit.

This story is from the July 2020 edition of Stockfarm.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 2020 edition of Stockfarm.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM STOCKFARMView All
Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do
Stockfarm

Shongololo Boer Goat Stud: Only The Best Will Do

South African Boer goats have proven popular worldwide for their ability to improve indigenous goat breeds. In addition, Covid-19 restrictions necessitated the establishment of electronic auctions, making it easier for foreigners to acquire outstanding genetic material exported by agents via established channels.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2021
Feed Additives: A Veterinary Perspective
Stockfarm

Feed Additives: A Veterinary Perspective

In an already volatile environment, dairy profit margins vary as milk prices and feed costs shift annually. Feed costs represent the largest input cost (an estimated 35 to 70% of the variable cost) in the production of milk. As a group of feed ingredients, feed additives can cause a desired physiological response in a non-nutrient way, such as pH shift, growth or metabolic modifier, and will usually be cost-beneficial.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2021
Guard Against Lumpy Skin Disease
Stockfarm

Guard Against Lumpy Skin Disease

Most parts of the country received good rains during the rain season and producers are generally very optimistic. Wet seasons unfortunately come with their own set of challenges and veterinarians have cautioned livestock producers to keep an eye out for elevated biting insect loads, which may lead to conditions such as lumpy skin disease (LSD).

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2021
Climate-Related Hazards: How Smallholders Can Mitigate Its Consequences
Stockfarm

Climate-Related Hazards: How Smallholders Can Mitigate Its Consequences

Rainfed crop production remains the main source of food security and livelihoods for rural communities in South Africa but presents the challenge of climate variability due to its high dependence on weather variables such as rainfall and temperature.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2021
Tips for a successful AI programme
Stockfarm

Tips for a successful AI programme

The success of an artificial insemination (AI) programme depends on several factors that are largely within the control of the producer. It is interesting that those producers who take a hands-on approach to their cattle and inspect them regularly are also the ones who achieve the greatest success. Before his passing, Stockfarm spoke to Koot Louw, a well-known reproduction technologist from Brandfort in the Free State, about his insights into and advice regarding the AI process.

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2021
Pay Attention To Orf In Your Flocks
Stockfarm

Pay Attention To Orf In Your Flocks

Some of our readers may have treated or heard of sheep or goats that have been infected with orf (vuilbek).

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2021
Sanele Mbele: Where Passion And Skill Meet
Stockfarm

Sanele Mbele: Where Passion And Skill Meet

Passion for farming runs strong in the Mbele family’s veins. Sanele Mbele, from the farm Rietspruit in the De Jagersdrift area near Dundee, has inherited this passion in huge dollops.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2021
Land Reform: Case Studies In Kwazulu-Natal
Stockfarm

Land Reform: Case Studies In Kwazulu-Natal

Land reform in South Africa is complex. Land reform solutions are equally complex and within partnership and development models, this is no different – but there is hope. KwaZulu-Natal has several types of partnership models and the wide variation in farming systems, as well as their different needs, set each model up for different strengths and weaknesses.

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2021
Brahman Breeders In Limpopo Have A Winning Plan
Stockfarm

Brahman Breeders In Limpopo Have A Winning Plan

Several breeders from the Bosveld Brahman Club in Limpopo are applying genetic excellence and genotypic correctness to stimulate the demand for their bulls. At several of the last auctions, the minimum standard of bulls was raised to achieve this goal.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2021
A Brahman Dream Comes True
Stockfarm

A Brahman Dream Comes True

For as long as he can remember, JP Mlangeni wanted to be a farmer. It might have taken a few years, from being a teacher and later a businessman, but his dream finally took shape and today he runs a fully-fledged breeding and commercial Brahman farming enterprise in Mpumalanga.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2021