Higher costs squeeze Namibian game relocation businesses

Rising transport, helicopter and foreign exchange costs are driving up the price of wildlife relocations in Namibia, prompting some farmers to delay buying game as operators grapple with sharply higher expenses.

Speaking to Network Media Hub (NMH) at the family-run Du Preez Wild operation outside Otjiwarongo recently, owner Dirk du Preez said operating costs have increased by between 30% and 40%, forcing the company to pass the additional expenses on to customers.

"The transport prices have increased by about 30% to 40% for us," Du Preez said.

He added that helicopter operating costs have also risen significantly.

"With helicopters, we've got a lot of foreign exchange where we purchase parts and that plays a tremendous role in the price of what the helicopter runs on," he said.

According to Du Preez, the higher operating costs are filtering through the wildlife value chain, making game purchases more expensive for farmers.

"All our prices have to go up," he said.

Du Preez said uncertainty following a dry year has compounded the problem, with some farmers opting to postpone buying game despite continued demand for relocations.

"I think with the full cost of a dry year being felt next year, farmers are sceptical to purchase animals this year. It definitely has a negative impact on us," he said.

A family business

Established in 1983, Du Preez Wild is a third-generation family business specialising in wildlife capture and translocation.

The company purchases animals from farms with high game populations and relocates them to new game reserves, commercial game farms and conservation areas across Namibia and beyond. It also assists government with restocking wildlife in protected areas where animal numbers have declined due to poaching or other factors.

Du Preez said the company continues to operate nationwide despite the financial pressures.

"We relocate wildlife for all sorts of farms. We purchase animals from highly populated farms and resell them to new establishments, for example new game reserves. We also work for government and export to various countries," he said.

The business currently operates from an 8 000-hectare farm near Otjiwarongo, where it keeps 18 wildlife species, including breeding herds used to supply customers.

According to the company's website, Du Preez Wild employs more than 30 people and operates a fleet of three helicopters and specialised wildlife transport trucks, making it one of Namibia's leading wildlife translocation companies.

phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na