What is Green Hunting?

Green Hunting is a essentially an alternative to hunting – getting the thrill without the kill. They shoot a dart filled with drugs into the wild animals until they fall into a deep sleep and then will microchip the animals and do any needed medical procedures.

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Where and what is Kwandwe?

Kwandwe is a private shooting range located in Grahamstown, South Africa.

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Why is a qualified Vet employed?

If a problem was to occur the vet would have a good idea of what to do, and they are in charge in the doses of drugs.

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How much does a hunt cost?

Roughly between $12,000-$15,000

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How long does it take for the drugs to take effect?

Approximately 20 minutes. 

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Why is the animal at risk each time it is darted?

The drugs could have a negative effect on the animal and could cause an infection.

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Why are microchips inserted into the rhino’s horn?

To track the animal’s movement and migration so the hunters can the find the animal again for another check-up.

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How much are horns worth on the black market?

They are worth half a million per kilogram, so a full tusk will be at a price of 1 million dollars. 

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How many animals could be shot each night before Green hunting?

Approximately 200 animals.

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Why is Green Hunting controversial?

Because even though they are removing the tusks to save them from poaching, people still do it for entertainment which isn’t good because shooting drugs into the animals very frequently can have a negative effect on the animal’s health.

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Do you think that Green Hunting is an effective conservation strategy? Why?

I think it’s an effective conservation strategy because they are treating the animal’s illnesses and skin diseases. Also they taking off their tusks to save them from nay possible poachers. This will keep the animals happy and healthy and it doesn’t hurt the animal unless they do it too frequently.