Wednesday, August 24, 2011

How Private Property Rights and Limited Trophy Hunting Saved the African Rhino From Extinction

"In 1900, the southern white rhinoceros was the most endangered of the five rhinoceros species. Fewer than 20 rhinos remained in a single reserve in South Africa. By 2010, white rhino numbers had climbed to more than 20,000, making it the most common rhino species on the planet. Saving the white rhino from extinction can be attributed to a change in policy that allowed private ownership of wildlife. While protecting the rhinos encouraging breeding, the ranchers were able to profit by limited trophy hunting."

~From a summary of the article "Saving African Rhinos: A Market Success Story," by South African environmental economist Michael 't-Sas Rolfes

8 Comments:

At 8/24/2011 11:47 PM, Blogger Innovation rules said...

I have read similar stories about elephants and tigers.

Unhappily, I do not believe success matters. For the pressure groups want the solution to be no hunting on a commons. They are willing to cause extinction to have it.

 
At 8/25/2011 1:28 AM, Blogger Cabodog said...

That photo really disturbs me. Killing a beautiful animal just for the bragging rights makes no sense to me.

That said, I'd pick up a rifle and shoot a deer or elk any day of the week to fill our freezer.

 
At 8/25/2011 8:14 AM, Blogger juandos said...

"Killing a beautiful animal just for the bragging rights makes no sense to me"...

Yeah but how do you feel about killing one to save the species as a whole?

Mind you I also am NOT into trophy hunting but if trophy hunters can foot the bill for the continued existence of these animals...

BTW its hunting exotics isn't cheap...

 
At 8/29/2011 4:21 PM, Blogger BigD said...

I'd love to see what would happen if the animals shot back. Now that would be real sport.

 
At 8/29/2011 4:23 PM, Blogger Marie said...

So some rich guys can have a trophy from a farmed animal.. great free market! What about the total ecology and environment? This is not truly a success- it like saying lets have mink farms so some wealthy people can have fur coats. The benefit is only limited to the rich.

 
At 8/29/2011 4:44 PM, Blogger Chazeroo said...

"...is only limited to the rich." So? That's what happens when you have money. You can buy things. Those that don't have money, can't buy as much. Why is this so hard to understand...and, what makes it so wrong? Rich people spread the wealth, not poor people. Rich people create jobs by spending their money Rich people pay most of the taxes, so Beloved Government can spend it...(on?) Envy won't get you anywhere, my friend.

 
At 8/29/2011 6:37 PM, Blogger fabian hug said...

If some people are willing to put time and money into an ecosystem in order to keep their playing ground usable, why not. It's a deal. It's not an ideal situation but an ideal situation would be an utopia. What's clear is that private property will make for good and likely the only effective protection. It may get violent given the difference in wealth in these regions but, you know, Africans are plenty, Rhinos are scarce (maybe I go a bit too far in my acceptance of free market economy).

 
At 8/29/2011 9:13 PM, Blogger RAMJO said...

..How can a reasonable person be offended by a pic of a dead animal,,,answer; They cant be,,, only people that live in a fantasy fog can be.....BTY, they eat Rhino's too.

 

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