Wildlife snared by the score

WILDLIFE living on unfenced iSimangaliso Wetland Park bush surrounding St Lucia is being decimated.

One resident took to the bushes recently and what he found was startling.

Twenty snares, some hanging from trees, as well as bundles of extra wire were recovered during a short search of a small section of veld.

‘They were typical noose snares that tighten when the animal walks into it,’ said the resident.

‘The bush is quite thick and looks as if it has been slashed in places to make pathways.’

The extra wire, found near to what appears to be a make-shift bench, is of varying diameters, thought to target animals of varying sizes.

Regular patrols

Within the last month, another resident found what appeared to be a bushpig-baited snare in the same area.

While it is unclear whether this particular area of bush falls under the municipality or iSimangaliso Wetland Park, snared animals have also been found on the iGwalagwala Trail, which is part of iSimangaliso.

In recent weeks, a bushbuck was released from a snare before too much injury could be inflicted on the animal.

When asked what the organisation is doing to combat the scourge of wildlife poaching on protected, yet unfenced land, iSimangaliso Media Officer, Siyabonga Mhlongo, said Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife carries out anti-poaching on behalf of the organisation.

Regular patrols are carried out in areas of bush abutting St Lucia town, which fall within the park’s boundaries.

‘It is a matter that requires constant management and the support of the public in reporting these incidents to us is most appreciated,’ Mhlongo said.

Reports of snares and snared wildlife should be reported to iSimangaliso’s emergency number, 082 7977944, and should be as detailed as possible.

‘Collaborative efforts such as these make all the difference in protecting our heritage.’

@TamlynJolly

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