Plenary Sessions 1-4

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This digital collection includes presentations of plenary sessions from the 9th International Wildlife Ranching Symposium held in 2016.

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Open Access
The history of the exotic industry in Texas
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Seale, Charly, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
The beginning of the Exotic Industry in the United States and its effect on the rural economy.
Open Access
Program of the 9th international wildlife ranching symposium: wildlife - the key to prosperity for rural communities
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Abstracts of parallel sessions are included. Symposium includes 4 Plenary sessions, and parallel sessions covering Wildlife Management; Sustainable Use of Wildlife; and IUCN 2nd African Buffalo Symposium.
Open Access
Balepye rhino conservation and sustainable livelihoods: game ranching presentation
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Maenetja, Dipati Benjamin, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
International trade in rhino horn was banned in the 1970's and this ban has had the same effect as the prohibition of alcohol did in the US by creating a black market. Banning trade has only contributed to increasing poaching as also evidenced by South Africa's ban of domestic trade in rhino horn being followed by a spike in poaching. Legalising trade will take away control of trade from black markets and let regulated markets take over thus crippling criminal syndicates and curbing rhino poaching. The ban on international trade of rhino horn and all other interventions, including anti-poaching units and awareness campaigns, have failed to effectively protect rhinos. Sustainable utilisation of rhinos is the only logical option left to save rhinos. Sustainable utilisation requires legalizing trade and has been proven in the past to be effective as seen with animals such as ostriches, crocodiles and others. Sustainable use of South America's vicuñahas resulted in the animal being saved from extinction while contributing to conservation and alleviating poverty, the same can be achieved with rhinos through legalisation of trade. For this reason rhino horn can be sustainably utilised by harvesting it regularly through dehorning without killing the animal. When harvesting you get about 30 to 60 kilograms of rhino horn from a single rhino that is kept alive over a period of time. Through poaching or pseudo hunting you only get about 1-3kg and at times even 6kg from a full grown adult and the rhino is killed.
Open Access
The controversy around the conservation value of captive-bred lions
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Potgieter, Pieter, JJS, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
The conservation value of captive-bred lions is seriously questioned by most conservation minded people - to such an extent that they refuse to admit that these lions can make an enormous contribution towards the enhancement of the lion in the wild. Reasons offered range from alleged genetic contamination to captive-bred lions' alleged inability to adapt to conditions in the wild, including their alleged inability to acquire the social skills to function successfully in a pride. These allegations seem to be inspired by either a lack of understanding of the realities driving the decline of lion populations in Africa or a misunderstanding of the objectives and intentions of the captive-bred lion industry of South Africa or both. Notwithstanding unethical conduct and practices by lion farmers uncovered from time to time the industry at large is functioning on the principle of sustainable use. It exploits, by consumptive as well as non-consumptive use, a very esteemed and iconic game species economically, thereby generating a livelihood for self and for local communities. However, the industry is acutely aware of its responsibility to contribute to the survival and welfare of the lions in the wild. This responsibility is operationalised through various projects, including scientific research, financial support for lion conservation and, ultimately, there-establishment of lions in areas in Africa where they have become extinct.
Open Access
Rhino in crisis
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Jones, Pelham, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Private reserves in South Africa with rhino extend over 2 million ha and are home to 33% of the nation's rhino population (some 6200 animals, more than the rest of Africa combined). This conservation effort is carried out with no government assistance and very limited NGO assistance at huge sacrifice to reserve owners and their staff. The presentation covers the impact of poaching on private reserves, interventions to negate the risk and actions of poachers as well as addressing some of the successes achieved in reducing this transnational criminal activity. The need for trade in rhino horn is discussed to bring much need revenue back to support conservation efforts.
Open Access
Sustainable use as a function of biodiversity and agricultural development: exploring the impacts of dysfunctional conservation jurisprudence
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Dry, G. C., author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Game ranching in the RSA takes place on 20 million ha of agricultural land and makes a far bigger contribution to biodiversity than dated conservation (preservation) regulatory regimes 'enforced' on agricultural land that is not, and never will be, conservation land. CoP17, CITES, IUCN or the South African NEMBA do not recognise or count any animals in game ranching on semi-extensive and game-fenced agricultural land as "wild animals", e.g. the Red List data recently released. This means, in effect, that game farmed on semi-extensive land does not reside under the international intent, governance, conventions or resolutions. The above mentioned agencies do not count any farmed game on private game ranches, given their definitions of "wild animals" in the "wild". This year for instance, the USA Fish and Wildlife Services advised South Africa that in terms of the USA ESA listing, stricter measures to import hunted lion or bontebok trophies, will be enforced regardless whether wild or captive bred. The hunter must now be in a position to prove "enhancement in the wild". The Architect of the Universe stopped making land; not humanity. Land will be shared by growing populations, agricultural development and conservation ideology. Key wildlife recovery in Africa is not technical or ecological, but carefully crafted legal and performance measures to ensure sustainable use. International dysfunctional jurisprudence leads to declining conservation and community development on the African continent, and is not self-correcting.
Open Access
Can cheetahs and wildlife ranchers ever live in co-existence?
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Marker, Laurie, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Large carnivores are currently facing severe threats and are experiencing substantial declines in their populations and geographical ranges around the world (Ripple et al., 2014). Human-wildlife conflict is a risk to 31% of the global carnivore species (IUCN Red List, 2016). The vast majority of Namibia's cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) (over 90%) and other large carnivores reside outside of national parks. Namibia is made up of a mosaic of land uses which includes both privately owned mixed livestock and wildlife unfenced farms, fenced game farms, and open communal and commercial conservancies. Fences are meant to protect biodiversity however; fences have an ecological impact by blocking migration movements especially in arid ecosystems. The fences confine individuals in turn carnivore abundance may exceed their available resources leading to a potential rapid decline of the population or local extinction. Commercial farmers have utilised game fences to keep and protected their game which equates to their livelihood. However, game fenced farmers catch more cheetahs than that of livestock farmers (Marker et al. 2010). As more game fences are erected, the rate of human-wildlife conflict has increased, which is an issue not only for the cheetah but all large carnivores across Namibia. CCF's research over the years has uncovered the complex relationships between individual cheetahs, their competition such as leopards and their prey base. By understanding these relationships it is possible to share information on how these influences affect cheetahs on game ranching farms and in turn how farmers can farm in co-existence. CCF's Future Farmers of Africa (FFA) project is a multifaceted integrated programme as it aims to help farmers with both human and environmental issues through education. CCF has created a set of integrated programmes aimed at addressing the principle threats to the cheetah by developing simple techniques through their FFA's programme and farmer training workshops. These tools include; livestock guarding dogs and swing gates that allow free movement of animals across game farms. These tools have already reduced the rate of human-wildlife conflict and help to maintain a viable population of carnivores across Namibia's conservancies. Through education CCF believes that both commercial and communal farmers can successfully live together with large carnivores across Namibia now and in the future.
Open Access
How the farming of endangered species can save them from extinction
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Hyland, Ross, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
My focus will be on three ranching operations in New Zealand (NZ). 1. Ngamatea (33,000 Hectares, 80,000 acres) is located south of Lake Taupo in the central North Island. Ngamatea is a large sheep and cattle farm and in addition have a tremendous commercial hunting and fishing operation. The 1500 wild Sikadeer on Ngamatea a very rare in NZ and Hunting Manager Bruce Bates says that since developing managed programmes, the average Sika carcase weights have nearly doubled. 2. Mesopotamia (26,000 Hectares, 64250 acres) is located at the headwaters of the Rangitata River in Canterbury NZ. 5000 Ha's is dedicated to commercial farming of Merino sheep, cattle and red deer for meat and velvet. Mesopotamia has a hunting concession over a further 21,000 hectares of the rugged Southern Alps of NZ where they breed and manage the very rare Himalayan Thar. These amazingly agile animals are incredibly elusive and spend most of their time high up in the jagged mountains of the 'Two Thumbs Range'. 3. High Peak (4000 Hectares, 10,000 acres) is located North of Lake Coleridge in NZ's Southern Alps. Commercially farm sheep, beef and deer with an additional 4,500 acre Red Deer trophy hunting block. High Peak has some of the greatest Red Deer anywhere in the world, but it is the owner's attention to detail and management of their deer populations that result in such magnificent trophies for their clients.
Open Access
Rhinos: economics, trade and politics
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Sas-Rolfes, Michael 't, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
At the forthcoming CITES Conference of Parties the future of trade in several key species – rhinos, elephants and lions – will be bitterly contested. Swaziland's proposal to establish a legal trade in rhino horn will most likely be rejected, primarily for political reasons. Despite an apparent 'success' period of a decade from the mid-1990s, the CITES trade ban on rhino horn has mostly been a conservation failure since it was first established in the 1970s. The resurgence of poaching over the last decade presents a serious threat to wildlife ranchers and state parks agencies alike. Whereas some might regard the high value of rhino horn as an opportunity for wildlife ranching and the development of new community-based enterprises, various NGOs and governments only see it as a threat. Accordingly, their focus is on increased law enforcement supported by so-called demand reduction campaigns and they reject the notion of legal rhino horn trade as a possible solution. Why is this so and what are the implications for the wildlife ranching industry? My presentation will consider these questions by outlining both the economic and political factors at play. After explaining the motivations of legal trade opponents, I will outline the hurdles that the wildlife ranching industry must overcome, not only to ensure the future of rhinos, but to ensure the future of the wildlife ranching industry as a whole, which is now under threat from the current public mood and international policies that increasingly favour preservation and prohibition over sustainable use and trade.
Open Access
Verifying conservation in wildlife ranches: the verified conservation area approach
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Vorhies, Francis, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
The presentation introduces the Verified Conservation Area (VCA) Approach and its usefulness for the wildlife ranching industry. The VCA Approach offers an innovative way for land managers to demonstrate their efforts to conserve nature. It consists of an online Registry of VCAs; a Standard for conservation planning, reporting and auditing; and a Toolkit of best practice. The VCA Approach enables conservation outside of protected areas to be visible, accountable and marketable. It offers the wildlife ranching industry a way to inform investors, clients, authorities, local communities and other stakeholders on how their ranches are conserving nature.
Open Access
American bison: Relic symbol? Domesticated novelty? Rewilding dream?
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Benson, D. E., author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
The US Congress and President unanimously agreed on a national mammalian symbol with the National Bison Legacy Act of 2016. The law is entirely symbolic and could mean nothing to socially and ecologically rewild bison which might have totaled 30-60 million: the last clause of the bill reads "Nothing in this act or the adoption of the North American bison as the national mammal of the United States shall be construed or used as a reason to alter, change, modify, or otherwise affect any plan, policy, management decision, regulation, or other action by the federal government." Approximately 500,000 bison (20,000 plains and 10,000 wood bison) live in 62 conservation herds in the Great Plains and boreal forests of North America. Perhaps 15,000 bison are free-ranging and able to function ecologically. Relic extant populations persisted since near extirpation during the 1800s in Yellowstone National Park (4,900), and were restored on other public lands. Most numbers, 90 percent, were introduced to fenced private and tribal lands, bred for meat, husbanded as novelties and exhibits, or fostered for ecological and social considerations. The rewilding dream is limited by human populations and infrastructures, land uses, fragmented suitable landscapes, and attitudes that are incompatible with free-roaming wild herds of 1/2 to one ton ungulates. Mangers with governments, tribes, organizations, and private lands seek uncertain futures for bison considering legislation, land use alternatives, economics, social perspectives, dreams, and actions that not all can agree. Must we accept symbolic management of relics or ecologically rewild our dreams.
Open Access
The role of tourism in the sustainable use of wildlife
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Saayman, M., author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
The game farming industry has experienced rapid growth over the past 20 years. We have seen an increase in the number of game farms, job opportunities, breeding programmes, auctions, hunting and number and value of game in general. South Africa has also, over the same period, experienced a significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals to the country, with approximately 10 million tourists visiting our shores per annum. Most of these tourists come to experience South Africa's nature and wildlife in one form or another, which links back to the products offered by the game farming industry. One of the key issues facing the future of game farms as well as the tourism industry in general, is sustainability. The complexity of sustainability lies in the fact that it has to do with not only financial, but also environmental, social and economic sustainability. In other words, how can we as a game farming industry achieve sustainability in all its forms and levels? The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the important role of tourism in game farm management. Currently one of the biggest generators of revenue for game farms is hunting, whilst tourism has played a less important role. One of the reasons for this is ignorance in terms of how tourism and tourism trends can be used as a source of revenue, since game farms lent themselves to different forms of tourism activities, which should be exploited. As in the case of agriculture, it would be beneficial for game farm managers to diversify their products and also their sources of revenue. The paper will highlight the change in sources of income for game farms over the past 20 years and in addition, the paper will also highlight threats to not only the game farms, but the industry as a whole, and possible solutions to managing these threats.
Open Access
The Zimbabwe wildlife industry: a brief overview
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) La Grange, N. J., author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
1. History - Brief overview of the origins of the wildlife industry in Zimbabwe, including Operation Noah, and the formation of the Parks and Wildlife Department. 2. Introduction of the 1975 Parks and Wildlife Act - what this meant for the industry and what the consequences of this decision were. 3. CAMPFIRE - The Act was amended to include communal areas and the people living in those areas, which allowed the birth of CAMPFIRE. 4. Growth of the Industry – private landowners invested heavily in wildlife, hunting and tourism boomed, Zimbabwe became an example of what could be done. 5. Role of the Veterinary Department -regulating movements of certain animals became necessary; policies were established to protect EU beef exports. Formation of Wildlife Unit. 6. Changing policies - the effects of the land redistribution drive. Formation of new policies, and the subsequent changing face of the industry. 7. Current Role Players - the various groups involved, the motivation out of passion for wildlife. Zimbabwe Wildlife Association. 8. Conservancies - highlighting the success of large areas designated for wildlife use, the challenges and opportunities. 9. Cecil! The aftermath, consequences, and the power of social media. 10. Ethics and transparency - with the spotlight now on us, we need to be careful. 11. Looking forward - what lies ahead will be determined by the attitudes and determination of those involved. Zimbabwe relies heavily on the tourism and hunting industry, and so we need to find ways of supporting the wildlife industry through unity and a common goal. Zimbabwe - once a proud leader in the wildlife industry - has lost its place on the pedestal of world conservation. However all is not lost. Through the passion and determination of its people, Zimbabwe is trying to reclaim its rightful place again. As humans and wildlife struggle for existence at the coal face, the things that are beneficial, and those that are detrimental, become apparent. The lessons learnt will help carry the industry forward, and others will be able to draw on our experiences.
Open Access
Report-back on proposed Wildlife Advocacy Group
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Sas-Rolfes, Michael 't, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Open Access
Hunting & sustainable utilization within Sabi Game Park, Mozambique, and the benefits thereof to the local Mangalana community
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Robertson, Kevin, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Sabi Game Park is a hunting concession in Mozambique. 28 000 ha in size, it borders the south-eastern boundary with, and is open to the Greater Kruger National Park. A well-managed, scientifically monitored sport hunting operation generates the funds needed to sustainably run this property. These funds are also used to drive an aggressive anti-poaching operation and they are sufficient to support financially as well, the local community. Only when the local community comes to realize the economic benefits of wildlife conservation will it protect it. This is a concept which Sabi Game Park is in the process of putting into place and the results thereof are now being seen. This presentation gives the hunting operation's facts and figures and explains how, through strategic partnerships and community governance support, this conservation initiative is possible.
Open Access
Investing in sustainable wildlife ranching - biosecurity threats and opportunities
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Preston, Guy, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Invasive alien species are probably the single greatest threat to the sustainability of wildlife ranching in southern Africa. This talk will illustrate the exponential growth of invasives; their impacts (grazing/browsing; water security; wild fires; erosion; disease, and more), and options for their control. It will also talk to the compounding impacts of climate change, and associated bush encroachment. The opportunities to link these to other measures of sustainability (e.g. wild-fire management), and the creation of jobs (including the utilization of the biomass), will be highlighted.
Open Access
BWPA: Botswana Wildlife Producers Association
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) de Wet, Rudie, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Botswana is one of the success stories globally in terms of conservation. If you look at the ratios of land that is dedicated to conservation it ranks among the best in the world. We have a government which appreciates the value of conservation and the preservation of that. This effort also contributes to the popularity of Botswana's tourism sector as Botswana is rated as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The game ranching industry in Botswana is relatively in its infant shoes as it started in the early 2000's. We have over a 100 registered game ranches with an average size of 9,000 hectares. The number of game animals on the ranches is currently a quarter of the total population of all Botswana's game numbers. Bearing in mind that the ranches cover 1% of Botswana's land mass and 8% of the combined areas including National Parks and Game Reserves. The ban of hunting had a huge effect on the game ranch industry as it is perceived globally that there is no hunting in Botswana, although it is permitted on registered game ranches. When hunting of big game was allowed in the concession areas we had a huge spin off from clients who wanted to hunt plains game on the ranches. It is currently very difficult to market Botswana as a hunting destination. The ban of hunting also had a huge effect on the communities who benefitted from that. I agree that it make sense to convert certain concession areas into photographic areas as it is ideally suited for that. But Botswana is a vast country and certain areas are not suited for photographic tourism. Hunting in those areas will ensure proper management where communities can benefit from it and also ensure survival of species as there will be proper anti-poaching measures put in place. There is also an increase in human animal conflict in Botswana after the ban of hunting where predators especially are affected. Botswana needs to relook at the ban to ensure a sustainable conservation effort.
Open Access
Closing thoughts & future
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Benson, D. E., author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Open Access
Game management under ranching and farming condition in the Czech Republic and Europe
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Kotrba, Radim (Maugli), author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Seasonal breeding of indigenous game species in fenced areas was documented from Upper Paleolithic time in some parts of Europe known as winter foddering of red deer, but expansion of fenced hunting game parks, where game was permanently present, has become widespread from Middle Ages. Nowadays, we can recognise in some countries of Europe two type of breeding of fenced game, extensive called as deer/game parks or estates and intensive game farms with majority of deer farms. The deer farming as industry in Europe is recognised from early seventies last century in the most countries even some small hobby breeders has been always present. In general, game kept in parks and estates serve mainly for conservation of species and habitats and of course for trophy hunting. On the contrary deer is bred in farms mainly for meat production because of stable and controlled quality and for live sales because of outstanding quality. Nevertheless, we can recognise broad diversity of approaches based on game historical use, legislation and also environmental condition across Europe. Therefore, game is broadly considered and managed as wild under extensive fenced system and as domestic livestock with some exemptions on game farms. Historically, game in fenced areas owned by nobility helped to preserve indigenous species, but very often was also as place for introduction of exotics. Recently to release exotic species in wild or to keep them in game parks is prohibited by legal conditions in most countries, but usually permitted in farms. To recognise, what is exotic species is usually based on historical presence. Therefore, some ungulates originated in Asia or North America introduced one or more hundred years ago to game park, which established local populations in wild after escape, become hunted game in wild and in fenced areas as well and generally accepted. Talk will overview game management approaches, problems and challenges in Europe based on hunter's and/or meat producer's perspective frame it in conservation effect and giving examples not only from the Czech Republic.
Open Access
Game ranching in South Africa: its contribution to the economy, to conservation and to biodiversity
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016-09) Oberem, Peter, author; International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, publisher
Wildlife ranching in South Africa is a relatively young industry which has grown at unforeseen rates to an industry bigger than the dairy or the sugar industries in this country. Its history, development, the contribution, as a sustainable form of agriculture, made to the South African economy, decent job creation, food security and to conservation and biodiversity is discussed. Future possible contributions, as future goals of Wildlife Ranching South Africa, are also enunciated.