Where tourism saves species

DOLLARS, pounds and euros spent by international safari tourists are aiding in efforts to conserve rare and endangered species in South Africa.

Many game reserves across South Africa run breeding and rehabilitation programmes for a wide range of species, from rhino and cheetah to rare antelope species and small game. Funded by donors, conservation organisations and eco-tourism income, they contribute significantly to enhancing biodiversity and saving threatened species.

For tourists, a visit to a breeding programme provides a tangible demonstration of how their holiday-of-a-lifetime has a positive impact on the environment, with many game reserves ploughing tourist revenue back into worthwhile conservation projects.

Visiting the small cat conservation project at Lalibela Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Australian visitor Tracey Williams said the experience had added greatly to her group’s safari holiday.

“We had expected to have great game-viewing experiences, and we have had those and more, but this was a real highlight – seeing that we are actually making a difference to conservation simply by being here in South Africa” she said.

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