Overview

Quoting contemporary accounts from hunters, missionaries and traders from the early nineteenth century onwards, this book illustrates the ecology of the country as it was emphasizing its rich large mammal fauna, its decline from increasing aridity of the country, it destruction by hunters, by disease, and most importantly, destruction of its vast herds, notably of wildebeest, due to the developing beef export economy and the erection of veterinary cordon fences depriving the large game of migration routes in times of drought. Once possessing one of the greatest animal displacements in Africa, with huge migrations of antelope, this book underlines the reality that the fauna of Botswana today is but a tiny remnant of what was perhaps once one of the the greatest spectacles of big game on earth. It shows how the decline came about -- and the controls exercised by tribal chiefs illustrating the indigenous peoples’ attitudes, and eventual protective measures both tribal and statutory. Whereas the pessimistic predictions of extinction at the end of the nineteenth century have happily not come true, nonetheless, the continued existence of this once great fauna is increasingly threatened by climate change threatening an already fragile balance, and human population increase with its increasing economic demands and changes in land use. The study fills a gap in the literature of African wildlife conservation and is distinctive by drawing upon a rich historical background.

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9783031600326

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Clive Spinage DSc is a retired African wildlife ecologist. After obtaining a First Class Honours degree in zoology at the University of London, he undertook a four-year study of the waterbuck antelope preceded by three year’s field study in Uganda. His professional career then encompassed Rwanda, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso and Botswana, conducting ecological surveys, and planning of national parks and game reserves, advising governments, teaching game wardens, and assisting in their preparation of wildlife conservation legislation. His wildlife research earned him the degree of Doctor of Science at London University. His retirement has been spent writing books on African wildlife, both popular and academic.

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