Friends of Kloofendal (FroK) recently partnered with the SANParks Honorary Rangers and a group of volunteers to carry out another snare patrol in the Kloofendal Nature Reserve.

The snare patrol forms part of efforts to eradicate poaching in the reserve.

According to FroK committee member Dr Steve Spottiswoode, regular snare patrols also help to gauge the success of their ongoing efforts in combating poaching.

Unfortunately, the patrol revealed that poaching is still a very real problem in the reserve.

According to SANParks honorary ranger Tracey Herbst, patrollers came across several snares.

“The patrol was well attended, so we were able to send out two patrol groups to different areas.

“We were hoping not to find any, but it is clear that poaching has not diminished at all.”

“We also found some bones, and a dead Mountain Reedbuck with a snare around its neck,” she says, adding that it was clear the animal died a slow and agonising death.

“It appears to have broken the snare from its perch, which is usually between two trees, and made its way elsewhere in the park with the snare still around its neck before eventually collapsing and dying.

“It is an extremely cruel way to die.”

The Roodepoort Record has repeatedly reported on the alarmingly high instances of poaching in the reserve.

“The poaching seemed to have died down a little, as our previous patrol only unearthed one small snare.

“It is clear the poachers are now back, and we will have to redouble our efforts to stop them.”