Staff from the City’s Biodiversity Branch patrolling nature reserves and open natural spaces across the city have seen an increase in snares in Diep River, a section of the Table Bay Nature Reserve near Table View and Dunoon.
In a statement, the City says they suspect that the snares are set by people living closer to the nature reserve, or people dealing in the illegal bush meat trade and using illegal and prohibited hunting methods.
Authorities have recorded an increase of snares in the area.
While the City is unsure of the reasons for the increase in illegal snares, they are determined to find those responsible.
‘Snares are illegal and are indiscriminate and incredibly cruel. Not only are they a threat to animals, but they also pose a threat to humans. Many residents use the reserves for running and walking and could be seriously injured. If left unchecked, small and medium antelope species could be wiped out or simply driven into local extinction,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
Wire snares are extremely easy to make from a wide array of easily obtained material. Once set, they remain in place until an animal gets caught. This is often not the target animal and all forms of animals can get snared, including pets.
Animals often get caught by a limb and take several days to die, which is extremely cruel. Some manage to break free and are either maimed for life or die slowly from the injury. Set snares are not always checked – often the poachers will check for a couple of days, lose interest and then subsequent snared animals are never retrieved.
‘This is the biggest increase we’ve seen by far. Never before have City staff found as many snares at one sweep. Thus, we urge members of the public to please help us fight this cruel habit and prevent the torture and killing of animals that could possibly lead to the extinction of indigenous species,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
The public can report any illegal activity or snares to the Quemic Control Room by phoning 083 499 1717 or the Public Emergency Call Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone.
Image: Unsplash
