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In this study, economic cost‐benefit models were applied to analyse the trade‐off between the export of farm‐bred live ostrich and crocodile and the retention of these animals in domestic breeding and rearing industries in Botswana. Intensive ostrich and crocodile enterprises contribute positively to economic growth, but expansion is constrained by limits on input. The important factors that affect the economic efficiency of live exports are the magnitude of any differential between export and domestic prices; the domestic capacity to use retained stock in an economically efficient manner; and the age class of exports. Live ostrich exports are economically efficient when there is a high price differential Export of live crocodile other than adults is economically sound with any positive price differential With both species, continuous export of slaughter‐age juveniles yields most economic value. Policy on live exports needs to be flexible and responsive, which makes regulation by government unwise.
Notes
Natural Resource Economist, World Wildlife Fund LIFE Programme, Directorate of Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Windhoek, Namibia.
The study on which this article is based was undertaken within the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Botswana. Financial support was provided by the Commission of the European Communities, and the United States Agency for International Development. Administrative support came from FGU Consulting and Engineering and the Academy for Educational Development. The author thanks TGGG Seeletso, ND Hunter, R Hartley, MH Sebina and DW Pearce for their support and assistance.