Determining the economic significance of the lion industry in the private wildlife tourism sector

Abstract

Since little reliable data or statistics are available regarding the management of lions in the private sector and their economic significance in the private wildlife industry, the research was undertaken to determine the economic significance thereof to assist the industry in future legislation, product development and most importantly, to understand the said economic significance and importance of it for the economy of South Africa and the private wildlife industry. Therefore the primary objective of this study was to determine the economic significance of the lion industry in the private wildlife tourism sector. Secondary objectives were (1) To do a theoretical analysis of wildlife tourism and the private wildlife tourism sector, (2) to do an analysis of the different economic measuring methods, (3) to conduct qualitative research in order to achieve the goal of the study and (4) to draw conclusions and make recommendations regarding the results of the study. A descriptive research design was followed, more specifically qualitative research through structured interviews. Members of SAPA (South African Predators Association) which included lion breeders, lion traders and lion owners in South Africa were selected as research population. In total SAPA have 146 (N) members of which every 3rd member on the list was selected. If not willing to participate in the research process the next member on the list was selected. This resulted in 22 qualitative interviews, both telephonic and personal. The number of participants represent 15% (n=22) of the sample population. The study found that the private lion industry do contribute greatly to the South African economy not just moneywise but also in job creation. In the private wildlife industry, the lion breeding sector has economic significance of R493 614 000 and a total of 1 680 jobs are sustained in the economy due to lion breeding activities