Science Snippets: Wildlife Ranches – South Africa’s Conservation Powerhouses

Private Ranches: A Growing Conservation Force

Science Snippets: Wildlife Ranches highlights a remarkable conservation success story. Across South Africa, roughly 20 million hectares of private land are dedicated to wildlife ranching—areas where sustainable wildlife-based activities generate income while protecting biodiversity. A groundbreaking study co-authored by EWT scientists* surveyed 226 wildlife ranches, revealing their untapped potential for species conservation.

Rich Biodiversity on Private Lands

The research uncovered staggering biodiversity:

• 40 wild herbivore species recorded across ranches
• 15 species per ranch on average
• Key groups included antelopes, zebras, rhinos, and elephants
• Most properties hosted at least one threatened species
• Many held translocated species outside their natural ranges

Notably, these ranches often outperformed protected areas in species richness per hectare. Larger properties consistently supported more species.

Tourism vs. Hunting: A Conservation Comparison

The study revealed key differences:

• Trophy hunting ranches had high species diversity but fewer threatened animals
• Ecotourism-focused ranches protected more vulnerable species
• Hybrid models (tourism + hunting) showed the highest overall biodiversity

Millions of Herbivores Thriving

South Africa’s ranches now sustain an estimated 4.66–7.25 million wild herbivores—a rare global example of thriving indigenous mammal populations. This success has even improved Red List statuses, like the Cape Mountain Zebra, which rebounded from Vulnerable (1930s) to Least Concern today.

Challenges: Fences and Genetics

While beneficial, ranches face conservation hurdles:

• Fencing restricts natural migration, fragmenting landscapes
• Extralimital species risk hybridization (e.g., Bontebok × Blesbok)
• Over ⅔ of Bontebok populations now show hybrid traits

Conclusion: A Vital Conservation Tool

Despite challenges, Science Snippets: Wildlife Ranches confirms these lands are critical strongholds for indigenous herbivores, including threatened species. Their blend of economic viability and ecological impact offers a model for sustainable conservation worldwide.

Study Reference:
Taylor, W. A., et al. (2021). Biodiversity and Conservation, 1-25.