The fatal and serious injury causing effects of snares on wild animals were some of the main points highlighted at a seminar hosted at the auditorium of the Zevenwacht Country Inn, Kuils River on Friday August 23.
The well-attended seminar hosted by the Bottelary Hills Conservancy (BHRC), featured a presentation by Cape Leopard Trust on their Snare Free Project, followed by a short hike and snare clean-up on the Zevenwacht wine estate in the BHRC.
Cape Leopard Trust conservation coordinator, Andrea Schnetler-Niddrie said: “Our vision is to conserve the last remaining leopards in the Western Cape and part of that, because leopards are the last big predator we have in the Western Cape, conserving them means conserving everything else as well.
“If leopards don’t have enough food, it means they can’t survive and for their food to survive they need good habitat, so part of the snaring work that we’re doing is to try and firstly stop leopards being caught in the snares as well, but it’s really to keep their prey safe.”
Presenter Hannes Kok, training officer from the Cape Leopard Trust, in his presentation in detail explained what snaring is, why it’s important for people to be aware and educated on snaring, reasons for snares, the biggest challenges in combating snaring, how to report it, as well as legal action taken against those found guilty of snaring.
The objectives of the Snare Free Project, in collaboration with partners Cape Nature, Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Wildlife Forensic Academy and Kogelberg Biosphere, launched last year in August, are to report animals in snares, respond to snared animals and to remove snares.
“Snare free is a network that provides a coordinated response to the issue of snaring, that is becoming a big issue and a growing problem globally and in Africa,” said Mr Kok, describing it as a wasteful practice, because in most instances ‘most animals just lie there and waste away’.
Mr Kok then showed a photograph of Diego, the special leopard spotted roaming in the Steenbras, Rooi Els areas and relayed the sad and horrific story of how his carcass was found in a snare near Sir Lowry’s Pass at the end of last year.
“Diego’s death was caused by a snare, and he was still stuck in the snare when he was found. Diego’s story is a poignant example of what happens when animals get caught in a snare,” Ms Schnetler-Niddrie said.
Research was shared revealing in the Boland mountain complex there were more than 671 snares found in one year.
Furthermore snares, if not fatal, can cause animals to lose limbs if they are able to somehow escape from the snares. Animals can also be left with open wounds from injuries resulting in infections and snares can cause internal injuries.
Attendees were given the opportunity to ask answers on snaring which were responded to by the seminar presenters. Anthony van Rhyn, director of mOUNTAIN mAN Academy Pty Ltd, asked how does prove that body parts in someone’s possession was obtained through snaring?
Mr Kok explained that although it can’t be proven there are still many other different charges which can be used to charge guilty parties, one of them being charged for the illegal possession of a wild animal carcass without a permit.
Ms Schnetler-Niddrie referenced a case in Paarl where two men were found in possession of leopard skin and carcass and although it couldn’t be proven that the animal was caught by snaring, they were still charged for being in possession of a leopard carcass.
Christel Liebenberg, from the BHRC said raising awareness of snaring is important. “The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy was founded in 1992 to protect and expand the tracks of critically endangered Renosterveld in its area. Wild animals such as caracal, grysbok, grey duiker, porcupine, bat-eared foxes, Cape foxes, otters, mongoose and many bird species are still prevalent in the Bottelary Hills.
“Situated close to the urban edge poses a threat in terms of illegal plant harvesting as well as snaring. Despite ongoing awareness and education campaigns amongst people living and working on the farms, the problem is prevalent. Ignorance and socio-economic challenges are the key reasons for snaring. This is why the visits to the local schools and involving the youth in snare patrols hosted by the Cape Leopard Trust are so important.”
“If you find a snare report it,” said Mr Kok and listed the reporting process and information to have on hand when reporting a snare. Those reporting snares should provide the location of the snare, description of animal or species caught and a contact number.
To report wildlife caught in snares, call the Snare Free Hotline for assistance on 076 127 8485.
