Trophy hunting in the Namibian economy: an assessment: research article

Humavindu, Michael N.; Barnes, Jonathan I.

Abstract: Data derived from several sources were used to determine basic economic values for the trophy hunting industry in Namibia for the hunting season in 2000. Some 3640 trophy hunters spent 15 450 hunter-days, taking 13 310 game animals. Trophy hunting generated at least N$134 million (US$19.6 million) in direct expenditures, or gross output. Gross value added directly attributable to the industry was conservatively estimated at some N$63 million (US$9.2 million). Trophy hunting constitutes at least 14% of the total tourism sector and is a significant component of the Namibian economy. Some 24% of the income earned in the trophy hunting industry accrues to poor segments of society in the form of wages and rentals / royalties . About 21% of income generated is captured by the government, through fees and taxes. Trophy hunting is an important contributor to development. More research on the economics of the industry is needed.

Keywords: Economic value added, Income allocation, Namibia, Trophy hunting

Analysis of ovarian and adrenal activity in Namibian cheetahs: research article

Terio, K.A.; Marker, L.; Overstrom, E.W.; Brown, J.L.

Abstract: Captive breeding of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) has had limited success because a high percentage of captive females exhibit a lack of ovarian activity. This study examined concentrations of ovarian and adrenal hormones in wild-caught cheetahs ( n= 3) housed in large outdoor enclosures on private game ranches in Namibia. Cheetahs were monitored for a 16-month period to investigate the effect of season on ovarian and adrenal function. Secretory profiles of oestradiol, progestagen, and cortisol metabolites were quantified non-invasively using faecal steroid analysis. All three cheetahs exhibited ovarian activity; however, none cycled continuously. Periods of anoestrus occurred during overlapping periods between August and December 1994, but not during the same time period in 1995. Mean duration of the oestrous cycle, oestrus period and baseline concentrations of reproductive hormones were consistent with those observed in other captive cheetah populations. Concentrations of faecal corticoids were lower than those from captive cheetahs in North America. There was no correlation between adrenal activity and ovarian function. Spontaneous ovulation was documented in one cheetah. These findings support those of earlier studies that even under natural and, therefore, presumably ideal environmental conditions, reproductive activity in captive cheetahs is not continuous.

Keywords: Cheetah, Faecal steroids, Estrogen, Progestagen, Corticoid, Reproduction

Variation in the timing of moult in southern elephant seals at Marion Island: research article

Kirkman, S.P.; Bester, M.N.; Pistorius, P.A.; Hofmeyr, G.J.G.; Jonker, F.C.; Owen, R.; Strydom, N.

Abstract: Using information from a long-term tag-recapture programme, we investigated variation in the timing of the moult haulout phase of the Marion Island southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) population, in relation to age, sex and breeding experience. Calculated parameters describing the temporal distribution of classes of seals, grouped according to their sex and age; or sex, age and breeding experience, were consistent between years. Results showed that, on average, immature male age classes moulted earlier than mature males, pregnant females moulted later than virgins of the same age, and first-time mothers moulted later than females of the same age that had yet to give birth. However, immature seals also moulted progressively later with age, suggesting that the timing of moulting of either sex is influenced by some factor(s) other than breeding experience and individual variability. The physiological and environmental factors that control and regulate these trends are still not well understood.

Keywords: Marion Island, Moult, Southern elephant seal

Temporal variation of cephalopods in the diet of Cape fur seals in Namibia: research article

De Bruyn, P.J.N.; Bester, M.N.; Mecenero, S.; Kirkman, S.P.; Roux, J-P.; Klages, N.T.W.

Abstract: Cape fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) scats were sampled over a period of eight years (1994-2001) at Atlas and Wolf Bay seal colonies in order to assess the cephalopod component of the diet of these seals and cephalopod diversity off the coast of Namibia. The temporal variation within the cephalopod component was investigated. A low diversity of cephalopods, only six species, are preyed upon, with Todarodes angolensis being the most important component both in numbers and wet weight in all years. Its lowered weight contribution during winter coincided with a greater diversity of other cephalopod species in the diet, which showed higher proportional weight contribution relative to Todarodes angolensis. Scat sampling was found to be an unreliable method of providing estimates of total prey weight consumption by seals, but was considered an acceptable method for proportional comparisons, especially given the ease of scat collection over extended periods.

Keywords: Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, Benguela ecosystem, Cephalopods, Diet, Scat samples

Synchronous decline of populations of small antelope in a reserve in the southern Drakensberg, South Africa: research article

O'Connor, Tim; Kruger, Sonja

Abstract: Antelope populations in Coleford Nature Reserve (1272 ha) in the southern Drakensberg were monitored on average 5.4 times per annum from 1986 to 2001. Population sizes of reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), grey rhebuck (Pelea capreolus), and oribi (Ourebia ourebi) varied monthly because they utilized adjoining properties, but all first increased synchronously between 1986 and 1988 and then decreased synchronously until 1993. By 2002, oribi were no longer resident, while population levels of reedbuck, mountain reedbuck and grey rhebuck had stabilized at a lower level although the latter two were considered vulnerable to extirpation. The sudden, synchronous increase of the four species was attributed to compression of populations from adjoining properties as a result of an increase in hunting by dogs. Their precipitous, synchronous decline was attributed mainly to poaching and a succession of long, dry winters. Population recovery after 1993 was probably constrained by a reduction in habitat on adjoining properties and, for reedbuck and oribi, by increased competition from increasing populations of blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsii) and wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou). Population declines were associated with reduced calving success, and in some years failure to calve. Healthy reedbuck populations occur on agricultural land in the region. However as the reserve is too small for the persistence of mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, and oribi they appear to depend on the maintenance of indigenous grassland through livestock ranching under private tenure.

Keywords: Coleford, Forestry, Grey rhebuck, Montane grassland, Mountain reedbuck, Oribi, Reedbuck

Home ranges, movements and spatial relationships in an expanding population of black rhinoceros in the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa: research article

Lent, P.C.; Fike, B.

Abstract: Over 3000 sightings and fixes of individually identified black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) over a 14-year period provided information on the spatial organization and movements of these introduced animals and their offspring in the Great Fish River Reserve, South Africa. Core home ranges based on 50% adaptive kernel calculations proved useful for depicting spatial associations among individuals and shifts in areas of occupation. The mean home range size (minimum convex polygon) was 11.7 km² and that of core adaptive kernel 6.8 km². Annual and individual variations in home range size were great and social factors clearly affected size. For these and other reasons great caution is recommended in interpretation and inter-population comparisons of home range sizes. Most individuals in this expanding population showed mobility, with home ranges shifting over time. Although clearly exhibiting individual home ranges, most females associated in clusters of three or more individuals. Calves generally moved away from their mothers at the time of her next calving, but some subsequently moved back into their mothers' core home range. In addition to mother-offspring pairs, some females also showed multiple-year associations in these clusters. Male home ranges overlapped, and individuals showed multiple-year associations until they reached approximately nine years of age. Males over age 8 were rarely sighted in the core home range of other similarly aged males.

Keywords: Behaviour, Diceros bicornis, Dispersal, Home range

Notes on the social dynamics and behaviour of reintroduced lions in the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve: research article

Kilian, P.J.; Bothma, J. du P.

Abstract: We report on the social dynamics and behaviour of five lions reintroduced to the Welgevonden Private Game Reserve. Despite initially being together in a boma for three months, the lions did not stay together. Aggression was also noted after the release of a female, which had been placed in the boma earlier after sustaining an injury. The results showed different lions associating and breaking away from the group on various occasions, which illustrated the flexibility of lion social structure when prides are disturbed. The findings are similar to those observed in the Kruger National Park after a lion-cropping programme. The lions that were reintroduced on Welgevonden were variously related, and the way in which they finally associated in prides was based on their relatedness. This raised the question of whether association took place by chance, or whether there was some kind of kin-recognition in lions, resulting in them associating mostly with kin. It was not possible to prove kin-recognition in this study, but the association with kin could lead to genetic problems in the future due to inbreeding.

Keywords: Kin-recognition, Lions, Panthera leo, Reintroduction, Social behaviour

Perceptions and consumption of game meat by a group of tourists visiting South Africa: research article

Hoffman, Louw C.; Crafford, Karlien; Muller, Nina; Schutte, De Wet

Abstract: The perceptions and consumption of game meat by overseas tourists visiting the Western Cape, South Africa, was researched by means of the survey procedure using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The research group consisted of sixty tourists, most of whom were German and Belgian. All respondents indicated that they know game meat and have eaten it, while most respondents (86%) indicated that they like game meat and would eat it again. The respondents further indicated game meat as the meat type they most favoured to order in restaurants in South Africa. This provides an opportunity for the restaurant industry to market game meat on a larger scale. Respondents indicated that they are aware of the health benefits associated with game meat, but that they were not aware of any promotion of game meat in South Africa. Although only 10% of the respondents indicated that they themselves have hunted before, the culling of game animals did not concern most of them. Warthog was identified by the respondents as the game species that most have eaten in South Africa.

Keywords: Game meat, Tourists

Habitat preference of a local population of bushbuck in the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa: short communications

Brock, A.P.; Nortje, E.; Gaigher, I.

Abstract: Habitat preference and preferred depth into tree cover of the bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus, were studied in the Soutpansberg region at Lajuma Mountain Retreat. A habitat map was drawn of the study area using GPS coordinates. Transects were traversed to obtain data on faecal pellet distribution. Closed woodland comprised 68% of the study area and 95% of the bushbuck faecal pellets were found in this habitat, indicating that a substantial portion of time is spent there. Over 65% of the faecal pellets were found 15 m or more into tree cover while only 7% were found in open areas. The bushbuck in this region prefer areas deep into tree cover, particularly within the large region of closed woodland.

Keywords: Habitat preference, Tragelaphus scriptus, Bushbuck, Faecal transect

Diet of Cape clawless otters in Groenvlei Lake, South Africa: short communications

Watson, L.H.; Lang, A.J.

Abstract: Cape clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) in freshwater systems feed mainly on freshwater crabs (Potamonautes spp.). Freshwater crabs are absent from the Groenvlei Lake and the diet of clawless otters in this system is thus of interest. Analysis of otter scats from Groenvlei indicated that fish were the most important food item and that the alien fish Micropterus salmoides formed the bulk of the diet, followed by the alien fish Oreochromis mossambicus. Our findings indicate that although clawless otters are morphologically adapted to capture and feed on benthic prey such as crabs, they are able to subsist on fish in systems where freshwater crabs are absent.

Keywords: Cape clawless otter, Diet

Grain selection and flocking of rock pigeons at a cattle feedlot in Gauteng province, South Africa: short communications

Van Niekerk, J.H.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the food of rock pigeons (Columba guinea) at a cattle feedlot in Gauteng province (South Africa) and determine how population size and movement were affected by agriculture on the Highveld. Fieldwork was undertaken at a cattle feedlot from April 1998 to August 2003. The rock pigeons fed selectively and preferred undigested maize seeds with high moisture content directly from cattle dung. Unlike feral rock doves C. livia, rock pigeons do not consume dry maize seeds and therefore do not take food directly from cattle feed bunkers. This effectively excludes rock pigeons as a possible transmitter of faecal-borne pathogens via their droppings in cattle feed. The unheralded arrival of up to 5000 pigeons at the feedlot was interpreted as an indication of how these pigeons respond in numbers to environmental quality. This study suggests that on the Highveld, rock pigeons gather in huge congregations at feedlots just prior to the ripening of sunflower seeds and thus offer hunting opportunities during this time window. Wet grains like sunflower seeds seem to be an important determinant of flocking behaviour among rock pigeons on the Highveld.

Keywords: Columba guinea, Feedlot, Food, Moist seeds, Movement, Population

The nature and extent of wildlife ranching in Gauteng province, South Africa: short communications

Reilly, B.K.; Sutherland, E.A.; Harley, V.

Abstract: A survey of the nature and extent of wildlife ranching in the province of Gauteng was conducted during 2001. The survey was an empirical investigation of game-fenced properties. These included provincial nature reserves and privately owned wildlife ranches or nature reserves as well as game-fenced properties owned by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and mining companies in Gauteng. Questionnaires were completed for 89 properties. This represents more than 90% of game fenced properties larger than 50 ha in the province. The properties covered a total of 115 913 hectares. This is 6.8% of the province's surface area. There is a concentration of wildlife ranches in the northern part of the province, which accounts for 70% of the game-fenced properties surveyed. Data were also collected on consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife utilization. Information on wildlife species and numbers are also presented. Wildlife ranching contributes to a limited extent to the economy of the province and, unlike most other provinces, it seems as if ecotourism rather than hunting is the primary revenue earner for the majority of Gauteng ranches. Of concern is the discrepancy between official perceptions and the facts on the ground concerning wildlife ranching in the province.

Keywords: Economy, Ecotourism and hunting, Game fenced properties, Gauteng, Ranching