Sales down at wildlife auction

PRICES plummeted and sales were scarce as pessimism in the game farming industry was reflected at the Mkuze Game Auction recently.

The economic slump, ongoing drought, poaching and cost of rhino security put a massive dent in the figures at the event, held at the Mkuze Cricket Club.

Last year’s auction turned over R14.281-million, while only R6.96 million was realised this year.

The auction was held under the auspices of the Wildlife Ranchers of South Africa and was under the hammer of Allan Sinclair of Vleissentraal Bosveld.

Large numbers of Blue Wildebeest and Nyala were up for grabs, but prices did not meet expectations and many were ‘not sold’.

One difference, partly responsible for the drop in turnover, was the White Rhino sales.

Seven animals went for just over R3-million last year, compared to only one of the eight available White Rhino being sold for R600 000 this year.

None of the colour-variant Nyala reached their reserve price and were not sold.

This is either an indication of the economic climate or due to the limitations on variants imposed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Ezemvelo requires a special permit to be obtained for keeping colour-variants and special holding areas have to be established.

Speaking to farmers after the auction, it became clear that other factors were also at play.

Some species were over-supplied as ranchers attempted to reduce their stock, but buyers were not purchasing game either, due to the drought causing lack of grazing.

The problem of poaching and the bush meat trade were also raised as reasons for a drop in interest.

All eyes will now turn to the Ezemvelo Annual Game Auction being held at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World on Wednesday, 18 May.

Ezemvelo will have noted the trend at Mkuze and will be watching closely the results of their auction to see if the downward trend continues.