Over the past five decades, Southern Africa has witnessed a remarkable conservation transformation, turning privately owned lands from incidental wildlife habitats into thriving reserves. This evolution has been fueled by a shift in perspective towards hunting as a catalyst for conservation. Fifty years ago, wildlife populations were confined to national parks, with private lands primarily dedicated to agriculture. The scarcity of wildlife on private land and the eradication of species perceived as threats to farming were commonplace.
Livestock and crop farming dominated private lands, leading to the elimination of animals deemed harmful to crops or livestock. Grazing species were only tolerated to a limited extent, and hunting seasons were characterized by frenzied free-for-all hunting, "to get them before the neighbors do". Predatory species were systematically hunted, trapped, and even poisoned, with government support. The Cape Buffalo population, once abundant, were confined to isolated national parks such as Kruger National Park, largely because of its association with bovine diseases.
The Turning Point: A paradigm shift occurred as the next generation, having moved to urban centers, began cherishing childhood memories of hunting. This generation was willing to invest their urban wealth in preserving the privilege of hunting. Some individuals, like the author, purchased former cattle farms, converting them into wildlife reserves. Game fencing became commonplace, creating a sense of "ownership", thus ensuring that the wildlife on the property was preserved.
The turning point came when wildlife acquired economic value through hunting and eco-tourism. International trophy hunters contributed significantly to the financial influx. While not necessarily of interest, or even desirable to the author, having grown up as a meat hunter, the hunting of large species such as lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos by overseas high-paying customers led to the reintroduction of these majestic animals to large private reserves on combined former cattle farms. This economic valuation extended beyond individual species to the preservation of the entire ecosystem.
Preservation of Habitat: Historically, cattle consumption and trampling had adverse effects on natural grasslands, resulting in erosion and the replacement of grass by acacia brush species. Crop farming required vast areas of natural savannah to be cleared, and any wildlife threatening crops, down to rodent size, vigorously exterminated. With the newfound economic value of wildlife, the natural savannah that supports it also gained importance. Hunting and ecotourism emerged not only as saviors of wildlife populations but also as guardians of their habitats. The transformation resulted in the reversal of habitat degradation, fostering the resurgence of African Bushveld savannah and preserving biodiversity.
Contemporary Impact: Today, private lands boast more abundant wildlife than for centuries past. The associated tourism, driven by hunting and eco-tourism, plays a crucial role in generating foreign currency and creating numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities. Southern Africa stands as a testament to how the conservation narrative can be rewritten when hunting is embraced as a tool for sustainable and economically viable wildlife preservation.
Troubling reversal: The recent decline in the hunting market, attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, has spurred private hunting operators to explore alternative survival strategies on overcapitalized hunting ranches. Faced with a reduced clientele, operators are reintroducing livestock and, in areas with accessible water sources, initiating land-clearing activities for crop cultivation.
Hunters pay for conservation: This statement will seem counter-intuitive for those not familiar with the facts, but is absolutely and demonstrably true. Righteous anti-hunting activism is actually harming wildlife and its environment. There is an increased demand for substantial efforts in education and image management to address public concerns.