GEORGE NEWS - Further exploration by the NPC Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) following a Facebook post about wire snares on a hiking trail in the Saasveld area has led to even more snares being discovered - not only in George, but across other areas of the Garden Route.
Earlier in March, Emile Greeff and some friends were hiking near the Pepsi Pools when they heard a small buck crying out in the bushes.
It was trapped in one of four snares set along a path.
"It was heartbreaking to see it struggle to escape, but after some effort, we managed to free it," Greeff shared in a post on the Facebook page 'Georgiete Staan Saam'.
Snaring is a major conservation concern in South Africa, especially in regions like the Garden Route, where biodiversity is high. The problem persists due to poverty, demand for bushmeat, and lack of enforcement.
"Wire snares are commonly used for several reasons, with the bushmeat industry being a major factor. Many people, particularly in rural areas, rely on bushmeat for food or a source of income," says WCIN founder Leon Rossouw.
Snaring is seen as an easy and low-cost method to catch animals without the need for firearms, but it is not only used by the indigent.
Organised poachers also use snares to target high-value species for meat or the illegal wildlife trade. Predators like leopards are also caught for their skin and body parts, which are sold on the black market. Not only those from rural communities, but even some farmers sometimes use snares to protect livestock or crops from wild animals such as jackals, baboons, caracals and leopards.
Indiscriminate killing of wildlife often includes endangered species. "Some people set snares without a specific target, hoping to catch whatever gets trapped," says Rossouw.
The problem with snaring
Wire snares are extremely cruel. They don't discriminate between species and often result in prolonged suffering and painful deaths for animals. Even if an animal escapes, it may suffer severe injuries, infections or amputations.
The WCIN's Leon Rossouw with some snares removed from an area near Dana Bay.
Plant poaching on the increase
According to the latest statistics, the Western Cape faces a huge challenge with plant poaching. "Over the past five years, there has been a dramatic rise in the global demand for collectable ornamental plants, mostly targeting SA's succulent Karoo biome," says Rossouw.
Plant poaching may be for medicinal use, the horticultural trade, or any other purpose for which plant material is removed from the wild. However, it remains illegal in South Africa to remove any indigenous plant material from the wild, transport it between provinces, or export it without the necessary government permits.
Anti-snaring workshops and education
The WCIN joins hands with the conservation community and law enforcement agencies to help combat the overall poaching problem and raise community awareness.
It will soon be hosting anti-snare workshops to educate people, especially hikers, about what to look out for when searching for snares.
Dates for these will be published as soon as they are confirmed.
The WCIN has also established a hotline to report any wildlife crimes. Rossouw urged people to report wildlife crimes on WhatsApp or by calling 079 643 9556, or to email it to report@wcin.org.za.
Information provided will be treated as confidential.
Read: Snares - the hidden killers (1).pdf
A cruel death awaited these animals. Pictured are the sculls of a baboon, caracal, bushbuck, and duiker found by WCIN. All of them were caught in snares.
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