By Robert Kroger
South Africa’s wildlife conservation model is unique, built on private land ownership and incentivized management. However, recent political and legal challenges surrounding hunting quotas for elephants, leopards, and black rhinos threaten the very foundation of this successful system. As a scientist, I find the current situation deeply concerning, not just from a conservation standpoint, but also from an economic and social perspective.
The crux of the issue lies in the delayed and now seemingly suspended issuance of hunting quotas by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFF). The history is fraught with legal challenges, primarily stemming from organizations like Humane Society International, who oppose consumptive utilization of wildlife. While their concerns about ethical hunting practices and sustainable management are valid, the current de facto moratorium on hunting these species is counterproductive to conservation efforts. In 2021, HSI challenged the quota issuance, alleging that the DFF had not followed proper protocols, including insufficient public comment periods. While the legal proceedings dragged on into 2022 and 2023, the court ultimately dismissed the case, deeming it moot since the quota in question was for 2021 and the matter was being heard much later.
Unfortunately, history is repeating itself. We find ourselves in a similar predicament in September 2025. After the DFFE released quotas for public comment in October 2024 with an expectation of implementation in early 2025, no quota has been issued. Minister Dion George recently announced that the issuance of quotas will be suspended pending the resolution of a new lawsuit. Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) has now taken the DFFE to court for the non-issuance of quotas. This cycle of litigation is paralyzing the conservation efforts by delaying the implementation of much needed resources.
The science is clear: South Africa’s elephant population is thriving, numbering around 44,000 (as stated in the transcript). The issue is not a lack of elephants, but rather a lack of incentives for private landowners to conserve them. Without the economic value derived from hunting, elephants become a liability, leading to potential habitat loss and increased human-wildlife conflict. As Kroger argues, landowners need to see value beyond ecotourism to justify the costs and risks associated with keeping elephants on their property.
The situation with leopards is more complex due to limited scientific data on population size and distribution. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that leopard populations are healthy and even expanding into new areas. Safari Club International Foundation is currently conducting a survey. Farmers often view leopards as pests due to livestock depredation. A well-regulated hunting quota could transform leopards from a liability into an asset, incentivizing conservation efforts and reducing illegal killings.
Black rhinos are a conservation success story in South Africa, largely due to private investment in security and anti-poaching measures. However, this success is expensive and requires continued financial support. Hunting quotas generate significant revenue, which can be reinvested in rhino conservation, providing a crucial funding stream for protecting this endangered species.
The economic benefits of hunting quotas are substantial. Kruger estimates that the current hunting industry generates approximately 4 million rand annually, while a well-managed quota system could increase this to 20 billion rand. This revenue could be used to fund infrastructure development, community projects, habitat restoration, and anti-poaching efforts.
The Minister Dion George’s decision to withhold quotas due to pending litigation is a mistake. Instead of succumbing to pressure from anti-hunting groups, the DFF should base its decisions on sound science and economic principles. The science does not indicate negative affect to these species if the government issues a quota.
South Africa’s private wildlife model is a proven success, but it requires a balanced approach that integrates conservation, economics, and community development. Hunting quotas are a vital tool for achieving this balance, providing economic incentives for private landowners to conserve wildlife and generating revenue for conservation efforts. It is time for the DFF to prioritize science and sustainability over political pressure and implement a quota system that benefits both wildlife and the people of South Africa.
For more information on this topic, please refer to our mini-series on South Africa’s Hunting Quota linked here: https://youtu.be/m8Kns-XwyvQ