A comparative analysis of the different game utilization methods in Namibia, and their contribution to resource sustainability

Abstract

Abstract by author:

Namibia is a country traditionally rich in game. The development of legislation regarding wildlife from the German period up to the present is given. Game laws are used to guard against over-utilization of this valuable natural resource. The history of conservation in the Territory is divided into three eras: an active period during German occupation; a second period of stagnation which lasted almost 40 years and a third dynamic period which started in the early fifties. The various wildlife practices, tourism, trophy hunting, game dealers and the trade in skins and hides, are mentioned. The various forms of utilization are evaluated on economic grounds and possible detrimental influence on the game population themselves and on the natural resources. When game numbers become too high they destroyed natural grazing, through trampling causing erosion. The micro climate becomes hotter and change, because the natural veld has been destroyed, which cover the micro climate. This cause more evaporation from the soil, more solar radiation and water runoff