Marloth Park Management Plan. - Nkomazi Local Municipality

INTRODUCTION
Although only a few vestiges remained for wildlife in South Africa by 1960, this country
produced some of the most venerated conservationist in history. It is thanks to these
remarkable men’s visions that the true resource value of our wildlife came to its full potential.
Today it is accepted fact that wildlife indigenous to southern Africa is better adapted to the
harsh conditions than the domestic stock introduced from Europe, and that wildlife can utilise
the available plant biomass more efficiently, and is less to prone to diseases. Currently more
private land is being conserved and protected in South Africa than in any other African
country. The wildlife industry had blossomed since 1960 to over 5000 game ranches, with an
additional 4000 mixed game and livestock farms, covering some 13 percent of the country’s
total surface area. And this trend is still growing. With this development came an increase in
responsibility to manage these resources sustainably, especially where competition for land is
placing additional pressure on the natural environment. Management based on sound
ecological principles is a prerequisite in ensuring viability and success of integrating all
constituents. Lack of expertise mostly resulting form lack of experience, considering wildlife
ranching being a relatively young industry, is often the main cause of failure. This is where
professional management become necessary.
A well-developed management plan is increasingly important in wildlife ranches, because
human interference is inhibiting natural ecosystem equilibrium and processes. The need for
active management increases when animals are kept in areas smaller than those occurring
under natural conditions. Definite objectives need to be defined and the extent of human
interference within the natural system determined, to formulate a functional management plan
based on accepted ecological principles, such as active adapted management. If the focus of
the enterprise lies on eco-tourism, the least disturbance possible of the ecosystem is sought
after. If emphasizing wildlife ranching for venison on the other hand, a balance between high
production rates and deterioration of the veld condition is desirable. All conservation-
orientated areas need some form of management, as total degradation and veld deterioration
will invariably be the result of sustained utilisation and uncontrolled animal stocking rates.
With a sound wildlife management plan, veld and wildlife can be exploited without exceeding
the ecological sustainability, ensuring economic viability and long-term conservation of the
natural resources.
© Ecological Associates/ Marloth Park 6