PHALABORWA – The Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF) has destroyed what it describes as one of the most extensive poaching camps ever discovered in the area, while also breaking ground on an important wildlife rehabilitation project.

The camp was discovered by PNHF field rangers during a routine snare patrol on a property in Phalaborwa. According to the foundation, the rangers unexpectedly encountered suspected poachers at the site. However, the suspects managed to flee before they could be apprehended.

Following the discovery, the landowner authorised the destruction of the camp and its contents.

“This was one of the most extensive poaching camps we have ever encountered,” PNHF said.

They explained that when camps cannot be placed under surveillance or used in a planned ambush operation, they are destroyed to prevent further illegal activities.

“The best way to do it is to burn everything, which is often done at the request of the landowner,” PNHF stated.

What rangers found

During the operation, rangers discovered numerous items, including:

• Snares
• Fishing nets
• Stolen goods
• Equipment
• Lines of meat believed to have been harvested illegally

The camp was well hidden and may be linked to recent copper cable thefts and break-ins reported in the area.

New wildlife rehabilitation project launched

Meanwhile, PNHF has also embarked on a new conservation initiative aimed at giving rehabilitated wildlife a second chance in their natural habitat.

On Tuesday, May 26, the organisation began preparations for the construction of a soft-release enclosure on one of the properties to which it has access.

The site has been identified as a suitable release area for small to medium-sized wild animals that have successfully undergone rehabilitation at local wildlife rehabilitation centres.

The enclosure will provide a temporary home for animals before they are released into the wild. According to PNHF, the soft-release process allows animals to adapt to their new surroundings, reducing stress and the risk of injury while preventing them from immediately attempting to return to their previous locations.

The first residents of the enclosure will be a troop of banded mongooses, expected to arrive within the coming days.

Fundraising campaign launched

Construction of the project will be carried out in phases, with the first half of the enclosure being built initially.

PNHF has launched a fundraising campaign to assist with construction costs and is appealing to the public for support.

“We are giving these animals a second chance in life, and every contribution will help make this project a success,” the organisation said.