Snare removals During 2023/2024, members of the Bushveld Region completed 11 snare removal patrols along the western boundary fence of the Kruger National Park. They removed 242 snares. On the weekend of 9 March, members of Table Mountain Region set out to look for snares in the Noordhoek area. Eleven snares had been located and disabled before a young caracal was found caught in a snare - injured and stressed, but alive. The animal was immediately rescued, demonstrating the crucial importance of these snare patrols. Poaching is a growing problem in Table Mountain National Park. Snares are utterly indiscriminate in their impact on wildlife, affecting creatures such as grysbok, dassies, mongooses and caracals. Contact Francois Prinsloo francois@antisnaring.co.za Bryetta Calitz, a member of Bushveld Region, recounts her experience: “Being up-close and personal to these beautiful creatures, holding them in your arms, carrying them from where they were lying helpless and poisoned to safety, did feel amazing but only the part where you know in your core that you are making a difference, you are doing what you can to help.’’ “Your veins pump with adrenalin because this is a carnivore with a huge beak! This creature is intimidating, strong, big and meant to be sitting in high trees or circling overhead… but now you are carrying one, praying that it will live, fly and eat again.’’ “This is why you have become a SANParks Honorary Ranger! You love nature and you love everything that is wild. And nature needs you today!” SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 135
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