WITH over 1 500 hours on patrol and a whopping 22 000km travelled last year, Snare Aware reflects on its remarkable progress and looks ahead to follow suit this year.

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A Snare Aware member, whose identity will remain anonymous for their protection, said despite resource challenges and an extremely high demand for the organisation’s volunteer services, the environmental conservation non-profit organisation managed to tick most boxes on its to do list, leaving no stones unturned.

“From the 200-odd snares in Umdloti that got 2025 off to a shock of a start, to many great collaborative events, presentations, talks, and trainings. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to do what we do, the beautiful places we got to explore, and the wonderful people we had the pleasure of meeting,” they said.

The member added that a standout of the year was the work put into forming partner organisations and tackling poaching issues in a myriad of ways, as well as expanding its network of capable anti-poaching operatives.

“We look forward to another challenging but rewarding year. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards our 2025 impact, here’s to 2026,” concluded the member.

The numbers:

• 133 snare sweeps conducted
• Over 2 600km on foot
• 658 snares removed for a total of 2 962 since 2020
• 19 training workshops with conservancies, reserves and communities
• 14 conservancies and game reserves assisted
• 550 000 people reached through social media

The highlights:

• High demand for presentations and education
• Historical poaching hotspots remain quiet
• Formation of the Dolphin Coast Anti-poaching Forum

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