PROJECT: THE IMPACT OF SNARES ON WILDLIFE POACHING

isabels39
Apr 24
6 min read

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Snare poaching has become one of the most widespread and devastating forms of wildlife crime in South Africa.

Unlike high-profile poaching involving firearms, snares are cheap, silent, and indiscriminate, trapping and killing any animal that passes through them, including endangered species. In recent years, the number of wire snares recovered from conservation areas, such as Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal, has surged dramatically.

These traps cause immense suffering to animals and lead to significant ecological damage and economic loss,

particularly within the tourism and conservation sectors. The alarming increase in snaring activity poses

a significant threat to biodiversity, undermines decades of conservation efforts, and has a direct impact

on the livelihoods of communities that rely on wildlife tourism.

KEY STATISTICS ON SNARE POACHING:

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (KNP):
- In 2023, over 3,364 snares were removed from the park, nearly doubling the 1,720 snares found in 2022.
- This surge underscores the intensifying threat to wildlife within one of South Africa's premier conservation areas. 
PAFURI REGION OF KNP:
- A single patrol in this area uncovered 65 snares in one day, illustrating the extensive scale of snaring activities. 
KWAZULU-NATAL NORTH COAST:
- A shocking discovery of more than 700 animal snares was made, indicating that snaring is not confined to national parks but is widespread across various regions.

CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AND SYNDICATES:

ORGANISED CRIME NETWORKS:
- While not all snaring is syndicate-driven, organised criminal networks are increasingly involved in wildlife crime in South Africa.
- These syndicates can be sophisticated, with different individuals responsible for poaching, transportation, and selling animal products.
BUSHMEAT TRADE:
- Snares are a common tool in the illegal bushmeat trade, which can be highly organised and lucrative, supplying restaurants and markets.
- Syndicates may employ individuals to set snares on a large scale.
TARGETING HIGH-VALUE SPECIES:
- Snares might sometimes capture endangered species for the illegal pet trade or their parts (e.g., pangolins).
- These activities are often linked to larger criminal networks involved in international wildlife trafficking.
LINKS TO OTHER CRIMES:
- Wildlife crime, including snaring, can be connected to other illegal activities such as money laundering, corruption, and the trafficking of drugs and firearms.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF HOW SYNDICATES WORK:

RECRUITMENT:
- Syndicates recruit individuals for poaching, often from impoverished communities, offering them money to set snares or hunt specific animals.
LOGISTICS:
- They establish networks for supplying materials (such as wire for snares), transporting the poached animals, and communication.
COORDINATION:
- Different teams or individuals within the syndicate have specific roles, ensuring a steady supply of wildlife products.
CORRUPTION:
- Syndicates often rely on bribery and corruption of officials, such as law enforcement and park rangers, to avoid detection and prosecution.
MARKET LINKS:
- They establish connections with buyers, both domestic and international, to sell the illegally obtained wildlife.
FINANCIAL NETWORKS:
- They use various methods to launder the profits from their illegal activities.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SNARE POACHING:

TOURISM REVENUE LOSSES:
- South Africa's wildlife tourism industry is a significant economic contributor.
- The presence of snared and injured animals can deter tourists, resulting in decreased revenue for parks and the surrounding communities.
- For instance, in Kruger National Park, a reported 200% increase in snaring incidents since 2020 has raised concerns about the park's reputation and its impact on visitor numbers. 
CONSERVATION COSTS:
- To combat snare poaching, significant investment is required in anti-poaching units, surveillance, and community outreach programs.
- These efforts divert funds from other conservation initiatives, financially straining both government and private reserves.
IMPACT ON BIODIVERSITY:
- Snaring indiscriminately affects all species, including those that are endangered.
- The loss of biodiversity can disrupt ecosystems, leading to long-term ecological imbalances that are costly and challenging to rectify.
COMMUNITY LIVELIHOODS:
- Many local communities rely on wildlife tourism for employment.
- A decline in wildlife populations owing to poaching will lead to job losses and reduced income, exacerbating poverty and potentially fuelling further poaching activities.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS:

Beyond immediate financial losses, snare poaching undermines conservation achievements and threatens the sustainability of South Africa's natural heritage.
To address this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including:
- ENHANCED LAW ENFORCEMENT:
  - Strengthening the prosecution and sentencing of snare poachers to serve as a deterrent.
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
  - Involving local communities in conservation efforts and providing alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on poaching.
- PUBLIC AWARENESS:
  - Educating the public about the consequences of snare poaching to garner support for anti-poaching initiatives.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PROTECTION:

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:
- If you see people acting suspiciously in or around protected areas, witness the setting of snares, or find snares, report it immediately to the local authorities, park management, or conservation organisations.
- Note details like vehicle descriptions, dates, times, and locations.
SUPPORT CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS:
- Donate to or volunteer with reputable wildlife conservation organisations that actively work on anti-poaching efforts, including snare removal programs.
RAISE AWARENESS:
- Educate your friends, family, and community about the devastating impact of snaring on wildlife, including endangered species.
BE A RESPONSIBLE CONSUMER:
- Avoid buying products from wild animals or plants, which can fuel the illegal trade.
- If you are unsure about the origin of a product, do not buy it.
SUPPORT ETHICAL TOURISM:
- Choose tourism operators that are environmentally responsible and contribute to wildlife conservation.
ADVOCATE FOR STRONGER LAWS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT:
- Support policies and legislation that impose stricter penalties for wildlife crimes and ensure effective enforcement.
LANDOWNER RESPONSIBILITY:
- If you own land, conduct regular patrols to remove any snares found on your property and educate your staff about the dangers of snaring.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
- Participate in community-based conservation initiatives that empower local people to become stewards of wildlife and natural resources.

Snare poaching is a brutal attack on South Africa’s wildlife and a silent drain on the country's economy and conservation resources. With thousands of animals being trapped each year, ecosystems are being disrupted, and tourism, a major contributor to GDP, is at risk. The financial cost extends beyond the loss of wildlife - it affects community jobs, tourism revenue, and increases the burden on anti-poaching efforts. Coordinated action, including intensified law enforcement efforts, enhanced community engagement, and nationwide awareness campaigns, are required to address this crisis.

Protecting South Africa’s natural heritage must be a shared responsibility.

Once these animals are extinct, the long-term social and economic benefits they bring also disappear.

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