Paper short abstract:

This paper will explore the different types of commercialization of wildlife in Namibia and focuses on the changing human-animal relationships induced by the market value given to (particular) species.

Paper long abstract:

African wildlife has long been seen as a material resource in form of ivory, skins, trophies, or meat and has been integrated in capitalist market development since its very beginning. This integration lead to the depletion of wildlife in certain regions or of particular species. Consequently, the establishment of parks and reserves as wildlife sanctuaries should protect habitats and species under threat. While these sanctuaries have been created and maintained at high financial (not to mention social) costs for the colonial and post-colonial public authorities, wildlife conservation itself today has turned into a source of profit. Parks and reserves transformed into tourist attractions. At the same time, there is an increasing privatization of wildlife encounter going on. This market is dominated by private entrepreneurs and companies but also by nature conservation NGOs. The trade for African wildlife "worth experiencing/watching/hunting" emerges in form of auctions and sells by catalogue for hunting concessions, trophies as well as life animals for the purpose of breeding and wildlife watching in private game reserves. It is estimated that today 80 % of the wildlife in Namibia is in possession of private game farmers and reserves.

This paper will explore the different types of commercialization of wildlife in Namibia and focuses on the changing human-animal relationships induced by the market value given to (particular) species.