South Africa's privately-owned game reserve sector is at the receiving end of a drought. Former cattle ranchers and other operators, who made hay while the US $137-million industry was at its prime, are today looking to sell the animals. The drought has forced reserve owners to supplement the natural diet of the animals with costlier alternative sources of nutrition. It has also raised the mortality rates of animals, turning the business non-profitable.
The game ranches earn money by offering tourists the 'facility' of trophy hunting of maintained wildlife. In Thanda, a prime game location with thorn trees and rocky outcrops, the grass is scarce. Grazing animals have to be fed on alfalfa. This fodder, which cost US $1.65-$2.05 a bale two years ago, now sells for US $4.79 a bale. Farmers believe it could go up further.
Selling the animals, too, may not yield adequate returns. The price for nyala, an elusive but majestic antelope, has fallen from US $1,162 to US $959. The prices of other animals are also southward-bound. However, a clearer picture would emerge in March when the game auction season kicks off.
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