Game changer Recent research findings have revealed that trophy hunting contributes nearly ZAR2 billion to the South African economy – a considerably higher figure than previously thought, at ZAR1.3 billion. Business Tech reports that a survey by Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (in collaboration with the Professional Hunters’ Association of South Africa) found that about ZAR1.02 billion is spent on game hunting, while around ZAR960 million goes towards transport, accommodation and so on. According to Business Tech, the majority of the survey respondents come from the US (86%), followed by Canada (6%) and South Africa (2%). Meanwhile, the average trophy hunter spends US$20 135. The survey also identified the top five species hunted (2015/16) as impala, warthog, springbok, kudu and blesbok, while buffalo, lion, sable, kudu and nyala generated the most income. 31 October 2017 Image: Gallo/Getty Images