Livestock predation in South Africa: The need for and value of a scientific assessment

Abstract

Predation of livestock in South Africa has been estimated to cost in excess of ZAR1 billion in losses per
\nyear1 and has complex social, economic and ecological drivers and consequences. In this context, livestock
\ncan be broadly defined as domesticated animals and wildlife (the former excluding poultry and the latter
\nincluding ostrich, Struthio camelus) managed for commercial purposes or human benefit in free-ranging (or
\nsemi-free ranging) circumstances that render them vulnerable to predation. This conflict between livestock
\nproducers and predators, and the attempts to manage it, has persisted for over 350 years, with the most
\nnotable outcome being the eradication of the majority of the apex predators across much of South Africa.2
\nIn contrast, the mesopredators, black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) and caracal (Caracal caracal)
\nare by all accounts thriving, at least as measured by their impact on livestock production. Increasingly,
\nattempts to manage livestock predation give rise to deep polarisations, particularly between animal rightists
\nand livestock producers, which further confounds an already complex situation. This complexity hampers
\nthe development of policy and regulations with regard to managing livestock predation. A recent global
\nreview of the scientific merit of studies on the efficacy of various predator control interventions highlighted
\nthe paucity of adherence to acceptable scientific methods in these studies, and recommends ‘suspending
\nlethal control methods’ while appropriately designed studies are undertaken.3 Treves et al.3 did not identify
\nany valid (by their criteria) studies undertaken in South Africa. This example highlights the need for a
\nscientifically robust basis for policy and management of livestock predation issues.