GEORGE NEWS - Despite the rainy weather, a small but dedicated group of Wildlife Crime Information Network (WCIN) volunteers set out on Saturday morning, 1 November, to conduct a snare sweep in the greenbelt adjacent to Kraaibosch Manor.
In addition to searching for snares, the team looked for signs of plant poaching and assessed the general environmental condition of the area.
“Not long into the patrol, the volunteers discovered a blocked manhole overflowing sewage into the Modderrug River next to the manor. This river connects with the Swart River, which flows directly into the sea at Kaaimans,” said the WCIN’s Leon Rossouw.
About 30 minutes later, the first two snares were located along a well-used game path near the river. A nearby hotspot containing four additional snares was then identified, followed by another four discovered along adjacent trails, bringing the total recovered during the sweep to 10.
Altogether, the team removed seven cable snares and three wire snares, some of which were attached to tree stumps and used as drag snares.
“All snares were documented, photographed and safely removed. The devices pose a serious threat to local wildlife and indicate ongoing poaching activity in the area. Signs of both old and recent tree harvesting were also observed,” said Rossouw.
Volunteers discovered a blocked manhole overflowing sewage into the Modderrug River. This was reported to the authorities.He suggested that follow-up anti-snare walks be conducted in the greenbelt over the next two months and that engagement with the nearby community be prioritised to raise awareness about the dangers and illegality of snaring.
The team also recommended closer coordination with local authorities to support further investigation and strengthen monitoring efforts in the area.
In addition, they proposed acquiring two new camera traps to enhance surveillance, and urged residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity or evidence of poaching.
One of the drag snares.
The team set out on Saturday 1 November. ‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
