The Friends of Kloofendal (FRoK) volunteers are continuing their fight against snaring and poaching at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve, with the fourth snare patrol for the year taking place on Saturday, May 23.

Ten volunteers participated in the patrol, splitting into three teams to cover hotspot areas across 4km of the reserve.

According to Tracey Herbst, a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa qualified snare patrol guide for FRoK, the patrol uncovered 12 wire snares hidden in various parts of the reserve.

“We found a few mountain reedbuck caught in the snares, as well as Rock Hyrax (dassies) trapped in the wire snares. Unfortunately, all the animals had expired,” said Herbst.

Also read: Poachers double down at Kloofendal

The patrol was launched following reports from regular visitors to the reserve who had spotted wire snares and trapped animals in recent weeks.

Herbst explained that the patrol aimed to identify poaching hotspots, remove snares and ensure affected areas were cleared of the deadly traps.

“Wire snares are indiscriminate and an extremely cruel way for animals to die. We want to educate the community and encourage them to become involved by showing them the impact these snares have on our wildlife,” she said.

Comparing current figures to last year, FRoK committee member Karin Spottiswoode said the number of snares discovered has increased significantly.

Also read: Concern over Reedbuck deaths at Kloofendal

“In 2024, there were about 27 snares found altogether. This year, there has definitely been a rise,” said Spottiswoode, adding that patrols conducted during March and Easter saw a total of 64 snares found.

She urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any wildlife in distress.

“We appeal to the community to keep an eye out for reedbuck that may be stuck in snares or screaming for help and report it immediately,” she added.

Herbst believes the rise in poaching is linked to socio-economic challenges and the ongoing struggle to secure the reserve.

“There are more breaks in the fences, and although Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo works with us to repair them, they cannot keep up. The poor economy and high unemployment are contributing factors, as some poachers rely on the bush meat trade and subsistence hunting,” she explained.

She added that controlling illegal snaring remains one of the reserve’s biggest challenges.

“You fix one gap in the fence today, and tomorrow there is another one,” she said.

Herbst encouraged community members to become actively involved in conservation efforts by joining future snare patrols and reporting suspicious activity to reserve guards or local security groups.

“Residents living near the reserve are the eyes and ears of the community. They play a very important role in reporting illegal entry through damaged fences,” she said.

FRoK also hosts regular conservation and nature events throughout the year and welcomes volunteers to assist with future patrols and environmental initiatives.

Next snare patrol events will take place on June 20 from 08:00 to noon and June 28 from 07:30 to noon. For more information, contact Spottiswoode on 079 693 5608.