In an ongoing effort to protect wildlife at the Noordhoek wetlands, a search for illegal snares was held in collaboration with the South African National Parks (SANParks) and Take Back Our Mountains (TBOM) on Tuesday 28 February.
Taahir Osman, the founder of TBOM, a non-profit organisation (NPO) focused on conservation, said patrols were needed from time to time to remove illegal snares.
“Today, we planned with the central section rangers from SANParks a wetlands patrol in Noordhoek.
The wetlands are rich with animal life, and from time to time we come and do a patrol because there are lots of (people) that set up traps to catch animals such as bokkies and porcupines. They eat them. They also sell the skin.”
Divided into four groups, teams of volunteers and rangers combed through the dense thicket to locate any snares.
It was not long before SANParks master tracker Sgt James Minye and his team found several snares made of rope.
“Someone brought in a metal shopping trolley used as a porcupine trap and one of the groups found 10 snares made from rope. We are very happy that we found the snares and hopefully it will save some animals’ lives.
“We are thankful for the honorary rangers, hikers and volunteers who assisted,” said Osman.
Yvonne Cormack, a volunteer who was one of nine hikers viciously attacked by a knife-wielding assailant above Boyes Drive in 2018, said there was a lot to learn when it comes to finding and removing snares.
“I thoroughly enjoyed today and taking out all the snares and that a trolley used to catch porcupines was removed.
“These guys are amazing and put so much effort into it.”
Minye said removing snares meant no animals could be harmed in their ongoing efforts to rid Noordhoek wetlands of illegal snares.
“We want to say thanks to the group for taking the initiative to assist. To have these snares removed is a good thing because maybe an animal could have been trapped tonight.”
