Wild Animal Farming: 10 Surprising Products & Animals
Here’s a breakdown of the animals discussed in the text and how they are farmed, along with key details:
1. Civets
What they are farmed for: Their dung, specifically for Kopi Luwak coffee. Coffee cherries are eaten by civets, and the beans are collected from their feces. It’s believed this process gives the coffee a unique, smoother flavor.
Farming conditions: Often cruel, with civets kept in captivity. They are naturally solitary animals and a varied diet is crucial for their wellbeing.
Market value: Approximately US $7.5 billion a year globally.2. Rhinoceroses (specifically White Rhinos)
What they are farmed for: ecotourism, trophy hunting, commercial breeding, and potential future trade in rhino horn (though currently illegal).
Farming conditions: Kept in high densities, provided with supplemental food and veterinary care, and in controlled environments without predators.
Location: Primarily in South Africa,with about half of the white rhino population held by private landowners.
Population: Approximately 8,000-9,000 white rhinos are ranched or farmed.
3. Red Deer
What they are farmed for: Their meat (venison).
Farming conditions: Often kept in intensive conditions.
Location: New Zealand has the largest population of farmed red deer (around 1.7 million).Also farmed in the UK. Market value: Global venison market is worth over US $1.8 billion, with 60% coming from farms. The UK market is worth around £100 million, with farmed venison contributing £4 million.
Other farmed deer: Fallow deer, sika deer, and reindeer. Musk deer are farmed in Asia for musk used in perfumes and medicine.
4. Arapaima
What they are farmed for: Their meat and skin (used for luxury leather products).
History: The species was nearly extinct in the late 1990s, but conservation efforts involving handing obligation for the species to local communities have helped with recovery.