Our veterinary partners Wildscapes received a report of a buffalo cow caught in a snare in an area near Phalaborwa that is know for bad snaring incidents. Upon the vets arrival via helicopter, the animal broke the snare and was darted. However, before going down the buffalo got caught in another snare. Both snares were then removed and the buffalo was released.

Unfortunately, the area had been so severely affected by snares, that she later go caught in another neck snare, which this time proved fatal.

Areas such as this are often considered buffer zones for the Kruger National Park, with permeable fences allowing for bushmeat poachers to access the areas and set wire or cable snares. While they are considered to be game ranches and often house large wildlife like buffalo, elephants or lions - the ownership or management mandates are often disputed or politically sensitive. Funding for fence maintenance is often lacking, compared to the steady income stream of conservation levies in bordering national parks.

This operation was funded through the collaborative effort of our local snare rescue group. You can help keep us operational by donating to our Rapid Response Fund here.

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