Culling method of Jackal and Caracal in farming Essay

Jackal and Caracal are plentiful and are commonly found in all areas within South Africa. They adapt fairly easily and it is therefore imperative that farmers understand the habits of the night predators. These night predators, especially the jackal, are intelligent and new combatting methods need to be developed and/or adapted in order to keep the night predators away from their livestock.
Consumer pressure
Pressure is being mounted by consumer pressure groups on retailers to stock predator friendly products. The retail chain Woolworths has indicated a preference to purchasing their meat products from predator friendly farmers. It is inevitable thet this pressure is only going to increase with more and more retailers following suite over time and this is going to make it important to have the correct measures in place.
Farmers and environmentalists are predominantly in agreement that the ideal method to reduce losses resulting from predator actions is to devise an acceptable protection method that will look after both the farmer and nature.
A question often asked by farmers is - Is it economically practical to farm this way?
What Options are available to the Farmer
The law allows farmers to cull Jackal and Caracal which are the main culprits causing this carnage. This however, is strongly opposed by Consumer Pressure groups who are becoming more and more outspoken.
Examples of these culling methods are-
Gin traps or "soft traps" is where a trap is set in the field to catch the predator by a limb. The predator usually dies after some time has elapsed. The usual cause of death is from dehydration. The main problem with using these so-called "soft traps", other than the method of killing, is that many other non-predators are caught in these traps.
Hunting, usually by professional hunters, who use a calling method to lure their prey, is also used as a means of culling night predators. This can also be a costly exercise and won't necessarily stop other night predators attacking the stock some other time.
Poisoning, some types of poisons need special permission, can also be used by farmers as a means of culling. This too carries the risk of poisoning non predator animals.
There are other methods that farmers can use-
The most common method would appear to be the erection of electric fencing. This comes at a great cost and the predators can burrow under the fencing.
Bells can be fastened around the sheep's neck help deter the predators.
Guard dogs, donkeys and even Llamas can also be acquired to deter night predators. There is however, the additional cost for acquisition, food and upkeep.
Humans are another option for guarding the livestock but this also comes at a great cost to farmers.
Why did we create this product?
Night predators
It is common knowledge that nocturnal animals like the Jackal are shy and will prefer to feed in safe areas where they are not noticed and therefore the flashing light generated by the Night Eye Livestock protector is an ideal deterrent.