South Africa is home to approximately 10 000 game farms, with the wildlife industry contributing significantly to the national economy through the biodiversity economy. As part of the biodiversity economy, the wildlife economy is steadily expanding to focus on wildlife and game farming for ecotourism, the supply of game meat and associated products and restocking and recovering wildlife populations. Game farming involves the breeding and management of wildlife species for services and products in the wildlife economy.
Game farmers engage with wildlife veterinarians when animals require medical assistance and network with other farmers and reserve managers to ensure the profitability of the game farm. They work between the farm and an office, monitoring game populations.
Game farmers need to have an intricate knowledge of the biology and environmental ecosystems needed for game species to thrive and will additionally benefit from:
Examine the physical conditions of animals to detect illness, for example
Monitor market activity and organise production accordingly
Coordinate breeding plans and assist with animal births
Market and arrange the sale, purchase and transportation of animal stock
B.Sc.Agric., B.Sc.Agric. (Hons), M.Sc.Agric. in Animal Science at NWU, SU, UFH, UFS, UNISA, Univen, Unizulu and UP
B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Biological Sciences specialising in Zoology at all universities
B.Sc.Agric., B.Sc.Agric. (Hons), M.Sc.Agric. in Agribusiness Management or Agricultural Economics at NWU, SU, UFH, UFS, UKZN, Univen, Unizulu and UP
Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Game Ranch Management at NMU and TUT
Game farms.
Private and public game reserves.
