A brief history of predators, sheep farmers and government in the Western Cape, South Africa

Year: 2017
Working paper number: 398
Author: Nattrass, Nicoli; Conradie, Beatrice; Drouilly, Marine; O'Riain, M. Justin
Unit: SSU
Abstract:
This paper provides a brief history of the conflict between South African sheep farmers and predators (and we touch also on the debate between diverse stakeholders over how best to respond to that conflict). We focus in particular on black-backed jackals and commercial sheep farmers in the Western Cape Karoo, drawing on historical sources, colonial records, early ecological thinking and observations by farmers to paint a picture of this dynamic conflict. The paper forms part of an inter-disciplinary project about sheep farming and predators in the Karoo.
Publication file: WP 398 Nattrass Conradie O'Riain Drouilly.pdf