A Vision for Change: 'Snare Free' Initiative Protects Our Wildlife Drakenstein and the Western Cape region are grappling with a serious threat – the illegal practice of setting snares to capture animals. While the intention might be to catch game meat species, such as small antelope and porcupines, these snares also endanger predators such as caracals and leopards, necessitating action to safeguard the borders of Paarl Mountain and surrounding private properties.
The Cape Leopard Trust , together with CapeNature , Kogelberg Biosphere , Wildlife Forensic Academy , and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA , launched the Western Cape Snare Response Plan on 1 August 2023 – the first-ever comprehensive snare response plan for the Western Cape. This initiative focuses on providing a coordinated response to snared wildlife incidents. Aptly named “Snare Free”, the programme also offers improved training, data collection, and awareness about snaring in the Western Cape. Read more here , and watch an overview here (warning: not for sensitive viewers). Vars spoke to Lindsay Lewis, Nature Conservationist at the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, who urges the public to play their part and spread the word. “The further we can share the message, the more information we can hopefully gather through the ‘Snare Free’ app and hotline.
An example of a wire snare. ©Cape Leopard Trust
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VARS | September
20
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