ANTELOPE BREEDING AND PROTECTION IN SELECTED AFRICAN COUNTRIES FOR THEIR ECONOMIC UTILISATION
VERNER, P. H., HAVRLAND B.
Abstract
There is already enough proofs and experience that
some species of antelopes can be bred on farms for their economic use - similarly
to livestock Advantages of such breeding were especially recognised in South
Africa where ranching of antelopes have been existing for 40 years. Big antelope
species are particularly used for such purposes. Production of meat and milk
can be implemented and complemented with hunting paid by tourists, which could
sometimes be a source of the most essential incomes if such a ranching (or farming)
is organised by peasants in poor villages of the countryside. This article gives
information on the methodology of antelope farming for its economic use in some
West-African countries. Czech Republic - Czech University of Agriculture in
Prague started implementation of this project in Western Africa. Its three main
the directional approaches being: foundation of small- and medium-scale farms
of antelopes; establishment of large-scale ranches of antelopes and other species,
founding specific reserves used for preservation of highly endangered rare and
significant species of antelopes. Senegal, Ghana, Benin, Mali and Nigeria manifested
their interest on the Project. The article provides a detailed analysis of feasibility
studies (air and land census of the wildlife in Niokolo-Koba and Faleme) and
the foundation work of fencing. Ecological observation is also covered. Deep
reference analysis in respect to theoretical fundamentals are in the background
of the approach applied and methods used. Main orientation of the project has
been defined as "Preservation, better protection and reproduction of small
population of Antelope Derby -an extraordinary rare sub-species Taurotragus
derbianus derbianus.
Key Words:
antelope farming and ranching, natural preservation,
Giant Eland, reserves for endangered animals, sustainable rural development,
developing countries