KAROO NEWS - Since April this year, a menacing trend has emerged in the serene confines of the Camdeboo National Park, as seven animals have fallen victim to snares set by opportunistic poachers - four zebra, two red hartebeest, and one ostrich - unfortunately, the ostrich and two of the zebra had to be put down due to the severity of their injuries.
Snares, often used by poachers, are devious wire traps that ensnare any unfortunate creature that crosses their path. Typically fastened to trees or structures, these snares trap animals, inflicting severe injuries or even death.
Despite the grim situation, many animals that escape the snare carry physical reminders of their encounter in the form of wires tightly bound around their limbs or necks.
Brent Whittington, park manager of the Camdeboo National Park since April says that in his five months at the Camdeboo, approximately 45 snares have been removed from the park's grounds, a testament to the unyielding efforts of the dedicated conservation team. While challenges remain, Whittington is resolute.
"Recently the conflict of human vs wildlife in the Camdeboo has been quite daunting," says Whittington.
One particularly disheartening case involved a zebra, ensnared on the Murraysburg road.
According to Whittington the zebra was noticed by staff enroute to their daily patrols. He says that the snare was no longer fastened to any structure and the zebra was lying down with the long piece of wire still fastened to its leg next to the road.
He says that the animal would have survived another day or two and would have eventually died either of septicemia, thirst, or hunger.
The rescue was futile, the incident spurred the team's determination to combat poaching even more vehemently.
"Animals are sometimes not even recovered by the poacher. It is a real problem, not just for our animals but also the plants, and all related environmental criminal activities. It affects the integrity of the park," says Whittington.
Whittington acknowledges the need for community involvement in this endeavor. "We are actively engaging with our community to foster mutual understanding and cooperation and if anyone gets caught poaching or setting up snares, they will be arrested, and the necessary steps taken through SAPS." he explains.
The park is striving to raise awareness and encourage local collaboration to prevent further losses. "Unfortunately, the park is open in many areas to vehicles, pedestrians, and poachers, like criminals, are not deterred by boundaries.
"They simply cut the fence, climb through or over if need be."
As the park grapples with this menace, it calls upon the public to stand with them in their fight against poaching.
The Camdeboo National Park's commitment to preserving the natural wonders within its boundaries remains unwavering. Through collective action, we can ensure a future where both wildlife and communities flourish in harmony, preserving the precious legacy of the Camdeboo for generations to come.
The Zebra that had to be put down on 7 August because of it being caught in a snare set up by poachers. Photo's: Camdeboo National Park
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