Texas a threat to Namibia’s hunting industry

Namibia should protect its unique assets, including vast open areas and unparalleled scenic beauty, as the Texas exotic wildlife industry poses a looming threat to the Southern African hunting industry as well as to Namibia.This warning was issued by Dr Kevin Robertson, a recognised expert in African wildlife management, who was the key speaker at the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) annual general meeting recently. Robertson said southern Africa faces a competitor on the horizon that could threaten the livelihood of the hunting industry in the not-too-distant future.“This threat is the Texas exotic wildlife industry. Texas has become the world’s Noah’s Ark."Currently, there are already 5 000 high-fence exotic hunting ranches in Texas, he said.“There are 1.6 million heads of exotic animals in Texas as the country stands, with 140 different species.”Alternative market Robertson noted that all species found in Namibia are already present in Texas in abundant numbers.“They are thriving. The only species that I have never seen in Texas is a red hartebeest.”He added that Texas also has the technology.“For example, in Austin at the moment, if your dog is nearing the end of its life, you can take a skin sample, and at US$10 000 you get your dog back as a six-week-old puppy.”He said they have the genetics of a 72-inch kudu bull that they are currently working on cloning.“For some reason, if things go wrong in Namibia and it is not attractive for the Texans to come and hunt the species to fill their trophy rooms, there is an alternative market waiting for them.”Robertson pointed out that what makes Namibia unique is its vast open areas of unparalleled scenic beauty."This is your greatest asset. You must keep it that way. Resist the temptation for more and more high fences. Allow wildlife to move.”He added that, instead of fencing in wildlife, Namibia should create the right environment where animals will feel safe and not threatened.

Texas a threat to Namibia’s hunting industry

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Texas a threat to Namibia’s hunting industry

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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