Rael Loon

There are two seemingly incompatible ways in which conservation can justify itself economically — ecotourism or hunting. Revenue earned in either way may be ploughed back not only into sustaining individual operations but also to further conservation objectives. So … is it better to snipe or to snap? <i>Earthyear</i> weighs the economics of hunting versus ecotourism in the balance.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the Big Five appear on South Africa’s currency. Leopard, buffalo, lion, elephant and rhino distinguish our R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes, respectively. Should we put price tags on our wildlife? <i>Earthyear</i>tallies the cost of conservation.