Assessing the economic impact of COVID-19 on the private wildlife industry of South Africa

Abstract

The world of travel and tourism have perhaps changed forever as a result of COVID-19; considered the worst global pandemic to affect the world, post World War II. The spread of the Coronavirus diseases was considerably attributed to the travel and tourism industry, and with the attempt to curb the spread of the virus, the industry experienced calamitous effects and suffered staggering financial losses. The same accounts for wildlife tourism (Southern Africa’s largest product) – bringing the hunting and ecotourism sector of South Africa to a complete standstill. The pandemic accompanied concerning and devastating effects, not only from a financial point of view, but also in terms of the conservation of these sectors within the industry. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis using the data obtained from the members of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) to quantify the actual and potential financial losses in the private wildlife industry due to cancellations of hunters and ecotourists, live game sales and finally, game meat sales in the industry. From the results, the estimated financial impact of COVID-19 on the private wildlife industry is R6.694 billion (ZAR). The study made the following three contributions: Firstly, it determined the economic impact of COVID-19 on the private wildlife industry. Secondly, it provides the industry with a tangible document that can be used in securing funding and assistance from government and other non-profit organisations. Thirdly, it shows the importance of this industry to the South African economy and employment, although only applicable to private-owned reserves

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on ecotourism, a study from West of Iran

“…The pandemic of the COVID-19 is considered as a new crisis with great effect on a large number of sectors, especially tourism ( 7 ), which has been regarded as the biggest victim of the pandemic ( 8 ). This pandemic is the worst global epidemic with the greatest effect on the world after World War II ( 9 ). Some believe that the COVID-19 has affected the tourism sector more than any other previous diseases ( 10 ).…”

“…However, tourism destinations have always been affected by numerous crises such as climate change, natural disasters, recession, political instability, internal turmoil, and terrorism (5,6), which have had adverse effects on tourism and its industry. The pandemic of the COVID-19 is considered as a new crisis with great effect on a large number of sectors, especially tourism (7), which has been regarded as the biggest victim of the pandemic (8). This pandemic is the worst global epidemic with the greatest effect on the world after World War II (9).…”

Policymaker perceptions of COVID-19 impacts, opportunities and challenges for sustainable wildlife farm management in Vietnam

“…On the one hand, positive impacts for wildlife have been documented: animals have been seen roaming freely in nature by public more frequently ( Sarkar et al, 2020 , Koju et al, 2019 , Rahman et al, 2021 ); there have been increases in species richness in temporarily less-disturbed habitats, higher breeding success among birds, increased sightings of urban wildlife ( Zellmer et al 2020 ), and a fall in road kill incidents involving animals ( Manenti et al 2020 ). Yet, the pandemic has also seen adverse effects on forestry economics and local livelihoods, increased deforestation rates and animal deaths due to reduced law enforcement ( Bates et al, 2021 , Manenti et al, 2020 ), more hunting of wildlife for food ( Mendiratta et al, 2021 ), increased wildlife rescue burdens due to ecotourism bans, and reduced funding for conservation ( Rahman et al, 2021 , Newsome, 2020 , van der Merwe et al, 2021 ). An increased number of armed conflicts in developing countries has resulted in significant impacts on wildlife and local people ( Gaynor et al, 2020 , Rondeau et al, 2020 ), while COVID-19 has also led to a declining numbers of national park visitors, charitable donations to support conservation, and funding for protection areas ( Smith et al, 2021 , Tarakini et al, 2021 , Yung and Abdullah, 2021 ).…”

Carcass and Offal Yields of Farmed Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx) Males, as Affected by Age and Immunocastration

“…However, the hunting industry faces increasing challenges, including public resistance against the practice, particularly on social media, and the sudden decline in international hunters and tourists able to visit southern Africa game farms since 2019 due to restrictions put in place against the transmittance of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). According to van der Merwe, Saayman, and Jacobs [ 2 ], the impact of COVID-19 on the private game industry was (and will be) severe, with the average game farm recording a loss of USD 122,100 in a study period of three months during 2020 (March to May) associated with tourist or hunter cancellations, totaling an estimated USD 436.4 million loss for the private South African game industry. While the culling of game species for meat and offal production remains underutilized, interest in commercial game meat production is growing, as it generates the highest net revenue per biomass weight of all activities [ 3 ] and is likely to be further supported by the rising concerns in the other revenue-generating areas of game farming.…”