Breeding and selling wild game is big business in South Africa, with its growth exceeding that of the JSE in recent years, according to game farmers.<\/p>\n
According to Gamevest, o<\/span>ver a five year period (between 2007 and 2012), the average selling prices of buffalo and sable antelope grew by 540% and 479% respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n On the weekend (6 September), South African deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa hit the headlines for selling three white-flanked impala at the Stud Game Breeders auction held at Mbizi Lodge in Limpopo province, for R28 million.<\/p>\n Of the three, the highest value impala was R9.7 million, ranking as one of the most valuable animal sales in the country – though nowhere near the current record holder.<\/p>\n Other high-value game sales from the Stud auction included an East African Buffalo, sold for R8.7 million, and a pregnant Matetsi sable for R4 million.<\/p>\n The most expensive wild game sale on record is a Cape Buffalo bull named Mystery, bought by South African billionaire Johann Rupert for a rather sizable R40 million in 2013.<\/p>\n At the same time, a sable antelope named “Wiele” was also sold for R11 million, according to a Bloomberg report.<\/p>\n High prices for wild game are not uncommon: conservation and private game farm group, Gamevest, has also sold game for record amounts.<\/p>\n The most recent sale to reach a new record mark by the group includes a 17\u201d White Saddleback Blesbuck, which sold at the Absa Kirkwood Game Auction for R7.8 million, in June 2014.<\/p>\n The group also sold a 5 year old buffalo bull with an over 51″ horn span for R26 million in 2012 – topping a previous record sale of R18 million for a buffalo sold in 2011.<\/p>\n Buffalo, rare impala and sable antelope fetch some of the highest prices in sale and at auction – often reaching into the multiple millions for single stock.<\/p>\n In comparison, rhino, among the most poached and endangered game in South Africa, can be bought for a paltry sum of up to R350,000, according to wildlife seller ads.<\/p>\n Lions are sold for even less, ranging from between R30,000 for a female, to R210,000 for a young male.<\/p>\n Game hunting in South Africa has always been a point of some controversy, especially in light of the high prevalence of poaching in the country, particularly with dwindling rhino numbers.<\/p>\n However, private game farms and trophy hunting serve a valuable role in not only the economy, as part of the country’s eco-tourism, but also as part of animal conservation.<\/p>\n The funds raised at auction are typically invested back into conservation programs.<\/p>\n According to Brian Reilly, nature conservation professor at the Tshwane University of Technology, trophy hunting is “the highest form of eco-tourism”, with the industry helping increase animal numbers as well as protecting them.<\/p>\n Norman Adami, owner of Nyumbu game farm, told Sapa-AFP that he has more sable (antelope) than the Kruger Park.<\/p>\n “As long as eight years ago, a 15 inch sable – a sable with 15 inch horns – was a big sable,” Adami said.<\/p>\n “Now you’re seeing sable with 50 inches. In 10 years, it’s going to be 60 inches. Those magnificent specimens are being recreated.”<\/p>\n In the latest Stud auction, over R236 million was raised. Meanwhile, the Absa auction held in June brought in R26.5 million – the largest amount ever for the 13-year old auction.<\/p>\n Some animals are used for trophy hunting, but the best are kept for breeding – which farmers describe as a better investment than property or stock.<\/p>\n “This industry has performed exceptionally well, better than the stock market,” Adami said.<\/p>\n (With Sapa)<\/p>\n SAP pledges $500 million investment in Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Terrorism a threat to African investment<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nOther record holders<\/h3>\n
Some of the most expensive wildlife sales in SA<\/h3>\n
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\n #<\/strong><\/td>\n Game<\/strong><\/td>\n Value<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 1<\/td>\n Cape Buffalo<\/td>\n R40 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2<\/td>\n Buffalo<\/td>\n R26 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 3<\/td>\n Buffalo<\/td>\n R18 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 4<\/td>\n Sable Antelope<\/td>\n R11 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 5<\/td>\n White Impala<\/td>\n R9.7 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 6<\/td>\n East African Buffalo<\/td>\n R8.1 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 7<\/td>\n White Saddle Blesbuck<\/td>\n R7.8 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 8<\/td>\n East African Buffalo<\/td>\n R6.5 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 9<\/td>\n Matetsi Sable (pregnant)<\/td>\n R4 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 10<\/td>\n Buffalo (pregnant)<\/td>\n R3 million<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n Controversial conservation<\/h3>\n
More on investment<\/h3>\n