Rhino and cheetah instead of cows

A growing number of farmers on the Garden Route, and the rest of South Africa, are trading in their livestock for wildlife

The amount of private land dedicated to wildlife ventures like breeding, viewing and hunting has increased steadily across South Africa - up to 25 percent a year in the Eastern Cape alone.

Bit by bit, a land subjected to decades of bush clearing, overgrazing and invasion by alien vegetation is reverting to its natural state. Wild grasses and bushes are sprouting in dusty, eroded pastures, and animals that were hunted nearly out of existence are making a comeback.

Farming is tough in South Africa. Rainfall is erratic, and the costs are rising.

Environmentalists worry that the spread of private parks has gone largely unregulated, guided by economics rather than conservation.

"I think it is a very positive trend
if we are moving away from agriculture ... which is very destructive for soil and habitats," said Jason Bell-Leask, regional director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

"But, are we conserving wildlife or are we actually starting to farm these animals?"

(Source: Associated Press / 28 August 2005)

 



Table Mountain shortlisted for New7Wonders of Nature

It’s up to you to vote for Table ...

Sprint Selflessly in Cape Town’s First Sport Relief ...

Walk, Jog, Sprint and Rise To The Challenge

A Charismatic Kwaito Chat with TKZee

We caught up with one of the masters of ...

Top Ten Insider Tips for Cape Town Carnival

The Cape Town Carnival will swoop into the ...

neighbourhood barTop Ten Insider Tips for Cape Town Carnival

The Cape Town Carnival will swoop into the CBD in all its magnificence, on ...

jewel africa 2A Sparkling Piece of the City

You’ll be able to say “I do” know all about diamonds after ...

Cape town carnival greenmarket squareThe Cape Town Carnival inside out

Rio style South African Carnival promises to spice up the inner city

Cape town carnival gardensTop Music Acts to Set off Rio Style Parade

Loyiso, Locnville and Emo Adams will perform ahead of the Carnival Parade

Internship in Cape TownGiveawaysMapsTravel Tips