Given the importance of wildlife in South Africa’s tourism industry and its international reputation, it may come as a surprise that the legal protection of wild animals in South Africa is in a state of neglect. 

Take, for example, the Cyclocephala nodanotherwon, which is a type of rhinoceros beetle in the scarab family that was described by Ratcliffe in 1992.

There are an estimated 12,000 captive lions in the country, while fewer than 10,000 wild lions roam the continent.

The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the global travel industry and although there now are signs of activity resuming in some markets, the sector is still a long way from recovery.

Proposals to licence the hunting of 150 elephants, 10 black rhinos and 10 leopards have raised objections from environmental NGOs who slammed the environment department (DFFE) for expecting public comment on the basis of a two-page notice with no supporting information.

South Africa’s conservation debate is too often anchored within the blunt slogan, “If it pays, it stays.”

Throughout Africa, fences (and many other anthropogenic structures such as roads) have changed the face of the natural landscape. In some instances, they play an essential role in safeguarding protected areas, conserving endangered species, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Equally, the deleterious effects of these barriers on wildlife regarding habitat fragmentation, migration and seasonal resource access are relatively well documented. 

Giraffes are the world’s tallest mammals and an African icon, but they are also vulnerable to extinction.

Africa is a continent of wonders – natural and human alike.

We know that most emerging infectious diseases in humans (more than 60 per cent) are of zoonotic or animal origin, with the majority (around 70 per cent) originating in wildlife.

South Africa has long been a premier destination for hunting enthusiasts worldwide, with its vast landscapes and diverse wildlife making it a top choice for both local and international hunters.

South Africa’s wildlife and hunting industries have long been intertwined, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and conservation efforts.

The polarised debate between anti- and pro-trophy hunting advocates is almost invariably incendiary and centred around far-reaching claims and emotional responses, from whether or not recreational hunting benefits specific species to its impact on local economies.

A new study shows the local hunting industry’s important economic footprint.

In South Africa, most of the arable land was taken from African people by colonial settlers. Ever since apartheid ended in 1994, people who were dispossessed of their land have been trying to get it back.

South Africa’s conservation establishment has a favourite phrase, ‘sustainable use’, presented as the pragmatic answer to balancing biodiversity protection with economic reality.

The South African game farming and hunting industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience as the 2026 winter hunting season reaches its peak.

Updating the hunting regulations that have governed hunting since 1992 is necessary. However, the hunting bill approved by the Senate changes very little and creates only one new player, the farmer-hunter. This is a political and practical error.

Every year, thousands of tourists pile into game drive vehicles or don their hiking gear and cross South Africa’s nature reserves.