From July 2025, Scales Conservation Fund has spearheaded regular snare sweeps in game reserves and vacant land in the Hoedspruit area, near Kruger National Park. The aim is to maintain a strong anti-poaching presence and deter any snare poaching attempts. Wild Wonderful World supports these efforts by sharing the cost.
The snare sweep teams recovered a total of 76 snares, and found several places where people had made large fires and old clothing left by illegal fishermen. These fires were potentially made to burn the plastic from stolen copper wires. They also found the remains of a poached warthog carcass and in once instance, a buffalo bull running in the bush that wasn't supposed to be on the property. Three active, semi-permanent, poaching camps were discovered, with fresh poaching activity like spoor and tools found. Multiple fish nets and lines were removed. Rangers engaged with individuals harvesting wood, reinforcing anti poaching presence. On one of the sweeps, one suspected poacher fled and one suspect was apprehended and handed over to authorities.
On one property with recurring snaring issues, the source of the snares was identified and reported, which has helped put a stop to snaring in the area.
Although not every patrol uncovers large numbers of snares, our targeted approach and consistent presence in these areas are seemingly deterring poachers from setting them in the first place.