Retired animal scientist Prof. HO de Waal, who remains actively involved with the African Large Predator Research Unit and the Canine-Caracal Programme, adds predators and other wildlife kill and maim animals on livestock farms and wildlife ranches. Wild animals are also killed in various ways.

Black-backed jackal and caracal are most frequently implicated in predation losses, although vagrant dogs also cause substantial damage, particularly near human settlements.

“Losses are furthermore attributed to other species and, unintentionally, non-target mammal, bird, and reptile species are often killed during predation control operations,” said De Waal. “Although outdated by more than a decade, the best available estimates suggest that annual financial losses exceed R2bn.”

Losses due to predation amount to more than R2 billion per year. Photo: Pexel.com

Except for the producer and predator hunter directly involved in a specific incident, very little information on predation losses and predators killed is formally recorded. The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation Northern Cape is commended for collecting data over two years to determine the extent of predation.

Livestock farming in the arid Northern Cape is characterised by challenging environmental conditions. The report concluded that while predation will not disappear, improved knowledge and stronger partnerships could be the difference between managing losses effectively and merely enduring them.

The data further revealed producers are far from passive in addressing the problem, as approximately 82% of farms are protected by jackal-proof or electric fencing, and a substantial portion of producers employ additional deterrents such as sound and light systems.

Livestock farming in the arid Northern Cape is characterised by challenging conditions. Photo: Pexel.com

Despite these investments, around 77,5% of producers reported experiencing an emotional impact, while approximately 70% indicated predation losses are undermining farm profitability.

Producers and hunters can play a crucial role in addressing existing information gaps. Producers and specialist predator hunters were guided and trained online to collect and submit critical information.

Data for 918 black-backed jackals, submitted by 51 participating producers and hunters, were recorded, spanning locations from the southern tip of South Africa to deep into Namibia.

Given limited resources, prioritising and directing interventions towards these hotspots is essential to achieving the greatest possible impact.

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder sm

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