A brief descriptionption of South West Africa is given together with its physiographic features. The development of the legislation regarding wildlife from the German period up to the present is given. Game laws are used to guard against over-utilization of this valuable natural resource. The history of conservation in the Territory is divided Into three eras: an active period during German occupation; a second period of stagnation which lasted almost 40 years and a third dynamic period which started in the early fifties. The acquisition of land to form the various nature conservation areas, as well as thei r development, is discussed. The various wildlife practices, tourism, trophy hunting, game dealers and the trade in skins and hides, are mentioned. The importance of the ownership of game is stressed. Keywords: Conservation areas, history, Legislation, Official bodies, Revenue, Tourism, Vegetation and Wildlife utilisation.