However, as climate change accelerates, its effects are rippling through ecosystems, altering habitats, and posing new challenges for game populations and the hunting sector. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are reshaping the landscape, with profound implications for both wildlife and the human activities dependent on it.
Climate change is driving shifts in South Africa’s ecosystems, particularly in the semi-arid savannahs and bushveld regions where much of the country’s game thrives. Mean annual temperatures have increased at twice the global average, and rainfall has become more erratic, with prolonged droughts and intense storms becoming more common. These changes affect vegetation, water availability, and food sources, forcing wildlife to adapt or relocate.
For species like impala, kudu, and springbok—staples of South Africa’s hunting industry—habitat alteration can mean a reduction in suitable grazing or browsing areas. Heat-sensitive animals, such as African wild dogs, face shorter hunting windows as hotter days limit their activity, potentially reducing pup survival rates and long-term population stability. In fenced game reserves, which dominate South Africa’s private wildlife sector, animals cannot easily migrate to more suitable habitats, amplifying the stress of these environmental shifts. As a result, game populations may decline in some areas or exceed carrying capacity in others, prompting emigration or die-offs during droughts.
South Africa’s unique legal framework for game ownership adds another layer of complexity. Under common law, wild animals are considered res nullius—owned by no one—until captured or controlled. The Game Theft Act of 1991 allows landowners to claim ownership of game enclosed by adequate fencing, supporting the growth of private game farms. However, climate change threatens this system. As habitats degrade and animals escape enclosures in search of better conditions, they may revert to their wild state, becoming res nullius once more and legally claimable by others who hunt or capture them.
This raises economic concerns for landowners reliant on hunting revenue. If game escapes due to climate-induced pressures—like breached fences during floods or animals moving through newly established wildlife corridors—the financial backbone of these operations could weaken. Experts argue that current laws may need revision to protect landowners as climate impacts intensify, possibly by redefining ownership rules or supporting adaptive management strategies.
Hunting, both for trophies and biltong (dried meat), is a cornerstone of South Africa’s wildlife economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually and supporting thousands of jobs, particularly in rural areas. Trophy hunting alone contributes an estimated $250 million per year, with ripple effects boosting agriculture, tourism, and local businesses. Yet, climate change could disrupt this.
GAME MEAT BOOST SOUTH AFRICA’S FOOD SECURITY
Reduced game populations or shifts in species distribution may lower the availability of sought-after trophies, such as gemsbok or eland, potentially deterring international hunters who drive much of the sector’s revenue. Droughts, like those seen in recent years, have already led to livestock losses and could similarly affect game, raising costs for farmers who must provide supplemental feed or water. Meanwhile, extreme weather—floods, heatwaves, or wildfires—could make hunting conditions less predictable or safe, impacting the logistics of safaris.
On the flip side, some argue that hunting could play a role in managing overpopulated reserves strained by climate change, culling excess animals to maintain ecological balance. However, this assumes robust governance and accurate population data, which critics say is often lacking.
South Africa’s wildlife success story—boasting over 20 million head of game, largely on private land—owes much to the economic incentives of hunting and ecotourism. Unlike Kenya, where a hunting ban led to significant game declines, South Africa’s model has bolstered species like the white rhino, whose numbers soared due to hunting-driven breeding programs. Yet, climate change tests this balance.
Fenced reserves, while effective for conservation and hunting, limit species’ ability to adapt naturally to shifting climates. Proposals for wildlife corridors or translocation to more suitable habitats clash with the fenced model, risking ownership disputes and economic losses. Moreover, the focus on high-value game for hunting—sometimes including controversial practices like breeding color variants—may divert resources from broader biodiversity conservation, leaving less charismatic species vulnerable.
As South Africa grapples with climate change, the hunting industry faces a pivotal moment. Adaptive strategies, such as expanding reserve boundaries, enhancing water management, or diversifying revenue through ecotourism, could mitigate some impacts. Legislative updates to secure ownership rights amid environmental upheaval may also be necessary. For now, the interplay between climate change, game dynamics, and hunting underscores a broader challenge: balancing economic gain with ecological resilience in an uncertain future.
South Africa’s wildlife heritage remains a national treasure, but its stewardship demands innovation and foresight as the climate continues to shift. The question is whether the country can adapt its hunting and conservation practices to sustain both its ecosystems and the livelihoods they support.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
