Hunting aids Conservation? MSc research help wanted.

Howzit
I am in the process of doing research on hunting aids conservation? A study into the effects of professional hunting on conservation in sub-saharan Africa. I would welcome all views on the ethics, biological and social impacts that hunting have.

Please keep it clean but dont be afraid to air your views as I am keen to hear all sides on this.
Many thanks
Roeinek

Welcome to AH.

Your interest in this area is...?

Do you hunt?

Research? Developing a question for a Thesis or background secondary research?
Faculty? Seems your crossing a few schools with ethics, biology and social impact. A little broad for an MSc Thesis.
University?

Effects of professional hunting?
Do you mean the "bush meat trade"?
Local hunters paying for access?

What sources have you found already in your literature review?

BRICKBURN said:

Welcome to AH.

Your interest in this area is...?

Click to expand...

Hi
I have hunted for a long time as I was raised in the African bush. I am doing an MSc in conservation management in a global change environment as a mature (old) student. I am doing secondary research based out of Essex Uni in England, and I am interested in the three areas as this has not really been investigated. Plenty of research on hunting vs conservation, conservation vs social inclusion and hunting vs social inclusion. The issue of hunting is in itself devisive enough so my interest is in exploring the relationship between all three. I do not mean bush meat trade although I am interested in poachers motivations and have arranged to meet with IAPF in Zim as one of my many qualitative interviews. The social crossover is more apparent here than anywhere else whether that be for rhino horn or simply impala for bush meat. Provision of inclusion in financial compensation of locals is an interesting prospect, but what happens during closed season when the hunting crews leave the protected zone?

I have been very interested is the literature avail on the subject. One of my friends is a Prof at Oxbridge who has written extensively on apex predators, particularly lions. It was he that sparked my interest in the triangle of ethics, biological and social inclusion. Because of the devisive nature of this subject it is difficult to find many balanced papers on the subject which is my primary motivation for this research. if it was going to be easy then it would not be worth the effort.
Great questions, thank you. You seem to understand the issues very well, are you in academia yourself? Finally do you hunt?

One of the kind members has pointed out that this form of communication can hide all sorts of people. I wanted the forum to know that I am pro hunting and pro conservation. This is why at my age (over 50 and loving it) I am doing the Master of Science in Conservation Management. I am from Africa and have absolutely no axe to grind. My objective is to obtain a balanced view of the subject to provide informed learning for all. For the record I will be asking for the views of the contras who I am sure will be equally suspicious of me. If it was easy, I wouldn't do it.

I am a new member and generally inactive. Leave for Zimbabwe-first trip to Africa-next Tuesday. Starting to get excited. Anyway, a few months ago-another researcher was here and I suggested this book for her research.
Game Changer: Animal Rights and the Fate of Africa's Wildlife: Glen Martin: 9780520266261: Amazon.com: Books

At the time, I had not read it-now I have and I recommend it whole-heartedly to both laypeople and research background. I read most of it during a boring, required Continuing Education class. It was awesome, I was transported from a CE classroom to the dusty plains of Northern Kenya.

roeinek said:

.......
Great questions, thank you. You seem to understand the issues very well, are you in academia yourself? Finally do you hunt?

Click to expand...

Thanks, I have read up on some issues.
Have a few colleagues that teach up in the ivory towers up the hill so I know the ropes. Once in a blue moon I have supervised students.

You bet I hunt. Everywhere I can.


Coming from a first world country I have always been taught about the intrinsic value of wildlife.
It took very little time after hitting the ground in Africa to discover a new cultural reality.
National Geographics anthropomorphic presentations were not a good reference point.

It was an eye opening encounter to hear the phrase: "If it pays, it stays" the first time.
This directly conflicted with my beliefs. I had to actively control my desire to start a debate.
As I was a guest and held my tongue and listened.
Attending PH school and hearing that phrase again and again.

A few topics: pen raised Lions, small enclosures, poaching, genetic modification.
Not surprisingly, there were varying points of view in the small class on each topic.

A selection of a few papers to start you out:


展ilding the farm or farming the wild? The evolution of scientific game ranching in South Africa from the 1960s to the present
Jane Carruthers FRSSAf
Department of History, University of South Africa.

The Investigation of the Effects of Conservation and Tourism on Land Tenure and Ownership Patterns in KwaZulu-Natal
Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA) in KwaZulu-Natal

The Investigation of the Effects of Conservation and Tourism on Land Tenure and Ownership Patterns in KwaZulu-Natal
University of Johannesburg

The Economic Potential of Game Hunting on a Small Reserve
Margaret Caroline Mary McKenzie
School of Environment and Development University of Natal


BACKGROUND RESEARCH PAPER: A STATUS QUO STUDY ON THE PROFESSIONAL AND RECREATIONAL HUNTING INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

Case Study of sport hunting in Nzok safari hunting outfit Lobeke National Park, SE Cameroon
Anastasia Ngenyi
WWF Jengi SE Forest Project



Good luck.

Welcome to AH! You've picked a good place to start wish you luck on your research.