Bigger snares made of cable

SINCE the start of the national lockdown, there seems to have been a marked increase in poaching either through setting snares or hunting with dogs “possibly to supplement the trade in bushmeat”, says John Wesson, of the National Association of Conservancies.

In the past six to eight weeks, poaching and snaring have risen at the Cullinan Conservancy, says its chairperson Joan du Toit.

“There’s been a tremendous increase in the poaching of blesbuck and the police have refused to assist us. There are more snares and bigger snares made of cable – people are looking for big game ... In the last few months, our game farms have been poached out virtually,” she says.

Peter Roberts of the Rustenburg Vulture Valley Conservancy says there has been a “big increase” in poaching in the area.

“Hunters are shooting game at night especially along the main roads ... They use spotlights and silenced weapons.”

Malcolm Stainbank, the chairperson of the Kwazulu-natal Conservancy Association, says at the Beaumont Eston Conservancy and Mid-illovo Conservancy, there have been daily incursions and from five different groups of people. “There have been from three to 20 persons and up to 40 dogs on one poaching incident. A lot of the poachers are outsiders, including policemen, businessmen with connections locally.”

Reynold Thakhuli, the acting head of communications for Sanparks, says for reserves like the Kruger National Park, “there has not been any marked increase in subsistence poaching although forays with dogs into the perimeter of the park have become frequent. Snaring has not abated and continues”. | Sheree Bega