Concern over increase in snaring in Kruger National Park
A total of 9 739 snares were found between 2020 and 2023. To assist in preventing the increasing snare activity, the SANParks Honorary Rangers assist in removing them in the northern region of the KNP.
The Kruger National Park’s (KNP) general manager for communication and marketing, Ike Phaahla, expressed his concern about the increasing presence of snares in the park.
Sandra Snelling, an operations manager for the KNP, said since 2020 to 2023, a total of 9 739 snares were found in Nxanatseni South and North. The amount is calculated as follows:
• 2020: 1 009 snares
• 2021: 1 281 snares
• 2022: 2 696 snares
• 2023: 4 753 snares.
Phaahla said that hunger and criminality among perpetrators appear to be the driving factors behind the rise in snares. Various animals are ensnared, resulting in severe injuries or death.
The removal of snares by the SANParks Honorary Rangers Lowveld Region has been an ongoing initiative. Initially, they focused on the southwestern boundary of the KNP near the Pretoriuskop and Stolsnek sections. In 2020, there was an escalation of snaring in the park, and they expanded their efforts to other areas as well.
Navashni Govender, the senior manager of conservation of the KNP, stated that the park requested that the honorary rangers remove snares in the northern regions of the park. The organisation also started patrolling along the northwestern borders, covering areas like the Shangoni, Mahlangeni, Punda and Pafuri sections.
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Phaahla emphasised the invaluable service provided by the honorary rangers, thereby reducing hazards for the park’s wildlife.
