The growth of the wildlife industry in South Africa can be measured by the growth in the number of wildlife ranches. In 1965 there were only four wildlife-fenced properties in the former north-western Transvaal. By 2005, 40 years later, there were more than 10 000 properties with wildlife exemption permits in the nine provinces combined. As the wildlife industry continues to expand, so too does the need for scientific knowledge upon which it must be based.

This sixth edition of Game ranch management is written by 39 experts in various fields and edited by two experienced wildlife ecologists, managers and veterinarians. It is as complete a guide as possible for wildlife ranchers in South Africa. All the chapters have been revised and updated, with extensive new information on information systems and data management; economics of the wildlife industry in South Africa; bacterial, viral and protozoal diseases of wildlife; buying and selling wild animals; hunting, keeping and managing large terrestrial carnivores; trophy hunting; meat production; veld management, and habitat rehabilitation.

Completely new chapters or subchapters include the following:

• Marketing
• Genetic management
• Medical assistance in the field
• Ecto- and endoparasites
• The management of internal parasites
• Capturing wild animals actively
• Falconry
• Legislation and codes of conduct

Game ranch management is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students doing degrees or modules in wildlife management and ranching at training institutions across southern Africa. It is also a guide for current and future owners of extensive wildlife production units.

Hierdie uitgawe van die titel bevat riglyne vir elke komponent van ekstensiewe wildboerdery. Dit is omvattend herstruktureer en bygewerk om die nuutste beskikbare inligting weer te gee. Daarby is daar etlike nuwe hoofstukke, onder andere oor bemarking, boogjag, groensafari's en nog meer. Die titel is reeds gevestig as die primere handleiding vir studente en wildboere. Daarbenewens is dit 'n uitstekende algemene inligtingsbron oor talle wildsoorte in Suid-Afrika.

There is no doubt that extensive wildlife ranching in southern Africa has developed rapidly in recent years. However, the last few years have seen the development of intensive wildlife production too. Intensive production of wild animals often happens in small enclosed areas or areas of limited size and requires more intensive management than the extensive production of wildlife. This title summarises the current knowledge on the intensive production of wild animals in southern Africa.