Understanding South African Landowners' Decision to Manage Rhinos

We use qualitative analysis to investigate private landowners’ decisions to own and protect rhinos in South Africa. With increased poaching pressures, rhinos have become a financial liability. Nonetheless, approximately 25%... [ view full abstract ]

We use qualitative analysis to investigate private landowners’ decisions to own and protect rhinos in South Africa. With increased poaching pressures, rhinos have become a financial liability. Nonetheless, approximately 25% of the rhino population is protected on private lands. In a time when the future existence of rhinos is uncertain, it is important to determine: (1) why the private sector in South Africa chooses to participate in rhino conservation; and (2) how increased conservation of rhinos on private lands may be attained.  To answer these research questions, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 private rhino owners and land managers and 8 rhino conservation experts in South Africa.  We also administered a survey to 155 private landowners in South Africa.  We will present key findings from both efforts.

Rhino owners and managers cataloged multiple factors that influence their decision whether to keep rhinos on their land.  In addition to anti-poaching costs, respondents addressed the following issues: (1) safety concerns for their families, guests, and employees; (2) the psychological costs of protecting rhinos from heavily armed poachers; (3) negative public perceptions of rhino owners who support legalized horn trade; and (4) the absence of financial support from the South African government and international conservation organizations.  Despite the multiple costs of rhino ownership, respondents were willing to continue their conservation efforts for two key reasons: (1) a sense of personal responsibility for assisting in the conservation of an imperiled species; and (2) the importance of ensuring that future generations will be able to view live rhinos. To secure or increase rhino conservation on private lands, efforts must be made to decrease the costs of anti-poaching enforcement, and/or increase the financial benefits that can be earned from rhinos on private lands.  Legalized trade in rhino horn may assist in rhino conservation in South Africa by providing competition to the illegal market, and generating a significant source of renewable revenue for landowners who are already dehorning their rhinos in an effort to preventing poaching.