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

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.