Culling in the Polokwane Game Reserve explained
Only animals that are allowed by law, are being culled. This is done after conducting a game census.
POLOKWANE – At different times of the year one will observe more animals in the Polokwane Game Reserve than on other occasions.
Review asked Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, to explain how the process of culling in the game reserve works.
Photo: Sourced
“In terms of regulations, a permit has to be obtained from the Limpopo Department of Environment and Tourism as the custodian of permit management in the province, and conditions on the permit have to be adhered to.
“The permit application can either be approved or declined with reasons attached. In order to shoot these animals, no tender is awarded to anyone. The municipality does it internally through council approval in adherence with governing environmental legislation. It should also be noted that there is a shooting range in the vicinity of the reserve area.
“Gunshots may be heard and be mistaken to be coming from the reserve.”
The Municipal Council approves game auctions and culling to control over-breeding.
“The municipality has an Environmental Education Centre section which deals specifically with raising awareness to the public and the municipality is willing to join hands with media houses in advancing awareness about culling.”
