THE RISE OF HIGH FENCES IN SOUTH AFRICAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

One of the most frequently asked questions by hunting enthusiasts looking to experience the wild beauty of South Africa is, "Is your hunting area high fenced?" The answer, more often than not, is yes. In fact, over 95% of hunting in South Africa occurs within high-fenced areas. Even the iconic Kruger National Park, an expanse larger than Israel, is surrounded by these barriers. But how did high fences become such an integral part of wildlife management?

Historical Necessity

In the early days, game was essential for the survival of settlers and pioneers as a primary source of food. However, as agricultural development increased, so did the human population. Wild animals, once a resource, became competitors for grazing land, clashing with the burgeoning livestock industry. Paid bounty hunters were even employed to eliminate wildlife that threatened the success of farming ventures. The solution to this growing conflict was simple: fence off the land.

The Ever-Present Human-Wildlife Conflict

From the dawn of time, humans have feared wild animals, especially predators. Large animals like lions, elephants, and leopards posed significant threats not only to human life but also to livestock. Additionally, certain species like kudu caused substantial damage to crops, while others, such as bushpigs, are nearly impossible to contain. With modern technology, the answer to these problems became clear: fencing could control and reduce human-wildlife conflict in a world where coexistence is no longer viable.

Controlling Disease

Wildlife not only posed threats in terms of competition to domestic stock but also as carriers of diseases that could decimate South Africa’s cattle and sheep industry. For instance, buffalo carry hoof-and-mouth disease and corridor disease, both lethal to cattle. Fences were erected as a safeguard, preventing wildlife from spreading these deadly diseases to livestock. In some cases, however, diseases like bovine tuberculosis now spread from domestic cattle to wildlife, affecting wildlife species within even the Kruger National Park.

Changing Laws and the Birth of Game Ownership

Under South African law, wildlife was considered res nullius—belonging to no one, and thus, the state. However, as game ranching became a significant industry, this legal framework needed an update. Landowners needed assurances that the animals they invested in were legally theirs, and with the passing of the Game Theft Act in 1991, private ownership of game became a reality. This law paved the way for high fencing to become more widespread, offering game ranchers security and protection from poachers. Now, anyone caught poaching could be prosecuted under the Stock Theft Act, with much harsher penalties than simple trespassing.

Game Breeding and Its Perception

The rise of game breeding has created the perception that South Africa has been carved into small, fenced-off camps. While this may be true for a few ranches, it represents a small portion of the industry. During times of drought, some breeders even removed internal fences to help manage costs and protect their animals. The reality is that both hunters and game breeders have the right to use their land as they see fit, and there are still vast, high-fenced properties available for those seeking a hunting experience. Ultimately, the choice belongs to the hunter.

Certificate of Adequate Enclosure

The Certificate of Adequate Enclosure grants landowners significant freedom in managing their properties, provided they meet the minimum fencing requirements set by provincial nature conservation authorities. With this certification, landowners can conduct hunting year-round without the need for multiple permits, streamlining their operations. However, as each of South Africa’s nine provinces has its own nature conservation regulations, this can vary depending on where you hunt.

The Effectiveness of Fences

While high fences may seem like an impenetrable barrier, many animals have found ways to bypass them. Smaller species like warthogs and bushbuck can easily creep under fences, while larger animals like kudu and eland can effortlessly leap over. As a result, electric fencing and other reinforcements have become necessary in certain areas to ensure the containment of wildlife.

High Fences in Modern Times

With human populations growing rapidly, more land is being demanded for housing and agriculture, putting wildlife habitats at risk. In many cases, high fences are the only barrier between human settlements and the wild. As romantic as the idea of hunting across Africa's open plains may be, high fences are becoming more prevalent not just in South Africa, but across neighbouring countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. These fences provide security, ensuring that conservation efforts are protected and that communities are safe from wandering wildlife.

High fences are now an essential tool for maintaining the delicate balance between wildlife conservation, agriculture, and human safety. They ensure that the investment of time, money, and effort into South Africa’s wildlife industry is secure, while also protecting those who live alongside these areas.

In the world of modern conservation, we rely on a high fence to make this all possible.