SA trophy hunting targets for 2022 set

The quota for leopard has been set at 10 animals, while the quotas for black rhino has been set at 10 and elephants at 150.

The department’s spokesperson, Albi Modise says the national elephant herd shows an increasing trend and the quota of 150 is well within sustainable limits.

“Leopard hunts will only be allowed in areas where leopard populations are stable or increasing, and only male leopards seven (7) years of age or older may be hunted. Implementing a strict seven-year age minimum for trophy leopards dramatically reduces the risk of over-harvesting,” he says. 

“Only adult male black rhinos will be hunted, and only on conservation management grounds in accordance with a set of strict criteria to ensure that demographic and/or genetic conservation is enhanced, as stipulated in the black rhinoceros Biodiversity Management Plan.”

He goes on: “The quota for black rhino is based on the national population estimates for black rhino per subspecies, all three of which show an increasing trend at present.”

The hunting sector conservatively contributed R1.4 billion to the economy in 2019, excluding the economic contribution to tourism and all hunting and safari-related industries. 

The income generated by the species fees totaled approximately R1.1 billion.

The biodiversity sector also employed more than 418 000 people in the same year. 

Modise adds regulated and sustainable hunting is an important conservation tool in the country.

“Income generated by trophy hunting is especially critical for marginalised and impoverished rural communities,” he says. 

“These species are central to a vibrant international hunting industry, and hunting is a part of the South African heritage and culture. This is a sector that generates economic benefits as part of the South African rural economy.”

Consultation for the 2023 quota will take place during this year.

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