TheImprovement ofTropical and Subtropical Rangelands

WIWLIJ'E LAND USE AT THE ATHI RIVER, KENYA 339
required for the system. The very high offtake rates for wildlife
reported here are among the most important findings of the WRR
operations, pointing to high fecundity and reproductive growth of
wild communities.
These findings dramatically contrast auertions in a 1983 Cornell
University study. Surprisingly, this study drew definitive conclusions
on the complex question: game or cattle for meat production in
Kenyan rangelands? based on only eight months of involvement
with the initial stages of the WRR wildlife operations in 1981. This
was before management or marketing was stabilised, and before
reproductive growth or offtake rates reported here were established.
Prices for venison on the international market average nearly
twice thoee of beef, greatly enhancing the value of wildlife use. Considering
the low fat and the absence of chemicals, hormones, and
antibiotics (the presence of which tend to reduce the price of domestic
meats in the Western world), this price differential is anticipated
to be long lasting.
CONCLUSION
The system of land use for semiarid rangelands developed at
WRR, although in full operation for lea than five years, demonstrates
a method for protection and regeneration of the land resource. The
reestablishment ofnaturalspecies diversity enables the land to return
to a positive condition, favoring the entire range of native animals,
plants, birds, insects, and soil organisms.
From a commercial perspective, the selective harvesting of game
animals has been a notable success. Net returns per acre are 10
times those of the average cattle ranch in the area, yet the stocking
of wildlife is still one-sixth that of normal cattle numbers. A new
industry has been developed in Kenya as a result of this effort, and
demand for wild game products from local and foreign markets has
developed rapidly.
In a variety of fol'IDl!l, the practice of game ranching has steadily
gained momentum worldwide over the past 20 years. Successful
harvesting operations are ongoing in New Zealand, South Africa, the
Soviet Union, and elsewhere. The focus of those activities, however,
is generally on meat production or sport hunting exclusively. The
author's method, in contrast, is multidimensional and more relevant
to the specific needs of areas where both economic development and
resource protection are essential. His wildlife land-use system rests