Despite the challenges posed by illegal snare poaching, SRP’s volunteers are working tirelessly to remove snares, educate communities, and protect innocent animals from harm.
Gauteng, South Africa (05 September 2024) – Responding to the enormous issue of snares threatening innocent wildlife for selfish gain, the Snare Removal Project (SRP) was established in August 2023 by Paul Veltman and Nadine Louw.
Driven by the passion for protecting wildlife, Paul had been involved in snare removal for many years before the start of SRP and had noticed an increasing trend of snaring after COVID-19.
What are snares?
Snares are part of illegal hunting and are used to trap wild animals by using materials such as wire, cable, or string. These traps are fashioned into a loop, which is anchored to a tree, fence or other vegetation.
The traps are often placed to catch small animals for additional sustenance or to catch bigger animals like Blesbok to sell the meat for financial gain. Both instances are considered illegal poaching and have severely damaging effects on the ecosystem.
Often, dogs, cats, jackals, and monkeys get caught in snares as by-catch and end up dying horrible deaths, just to be left to rot away.
“This is the other major concern with snares, it is a very agonising and cruel method used to trap wild animals.
“We are now noticing a trend to catch animals around the abdomen to prolong their death, this is to keep the meat viable for as long as possible but in turn leaves the animal to suffer for longer as well,” Paul explains.
Committed to a worthy cause
Through his ongoing dedication to snare removal, Paul connected with many individuals who shared his passion. They provided valuable insight into snaring practices, which Paul used to support an anti-snaring program for an organisation. During his time there, he met influential members of what is now the SRP.
Together, they recognised the need to educate more people about snaring and expand their network of like-minded individuals committed to addressing this issue.
“Nadine was part of the previous snare removal events and was eager to assist in spreading the word on the issue. Nadine, Paul and others then decided to start a dedicated snare removal initiative to widen the reach.”
The team has also been fortunate enough to meet volunteers who are extremely dedicated and passionate about this initiative and have become part of the SRP.
Just how big is the problem?
Unfortunately, due to the socioeconomic status of many in South Africa, along with underfunded wildlife protection efforts, the problem has become enormous.
This year alone, the SRP team has completed a total of 22 sweeps and has removed 802 snares!
“The areas we focus on are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to various informal settlements such as Diepsloot, Atteridgeville, Spruit, and numerous newly established ones. These settlements border the protected wildlife areas of Hoogland Health Hydro Reserve.
We suspect that residents of these informal settlements, along with workers and illegal wood cutters in the area, are setting the snares. This makes it incredibly difficult to stay ahead of the problem. In a single day, our team has removed as many as 114 snares in an area near the R511.”
What the SRP is doing to mitigate the issue
The SRP operates on a volunteer basis and regularly searches unprotected areas for snares. The team meets up two to three times a month for a snare sweep and covers vast areas, walking up to 10 km per sweep.
They are looking into the option of registering as a public benefit organisation to upskill and resource our members and volunteers, with the possible funding they would enable volunteers to set up satellite events in other areas thereby increasing their ability to protect wildlife.
They also educate and train the public and communities about the impact snares have on biodiversity and the environment.
“We also record GPS locations of each snare, advising on the size and material used to give an idea of what kind of animals are targeted and what the reasons could be.
“As SRP we hope to share our knowledge on the evils of snaring and educate communities to take a proactive approach on eradicating snaring in their environment,” shares a dedicated Paul.
To learn more about snares, participate in an upcoming sweep, or to simply get in touch with the SRP, email snareremovalproject@gmail.com.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu / Snare Removal Project
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