The scourge of snares—fighting to eliminate these cruel killers of wildlife

Snaring is a daily heartbreak for those on the frontlines of wildlife conservation in Africa and it is no different for our friends at Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) in Zambia.

Snares are easily accessible as they are simply made from wire which is shaped into a loop and anchored in areas that are heavily trafficked by wildlife.

The main target is usually small gazelle for bushmeat but snares are indiscriminate killers and take a terrible toll on a wide variety of species, including those that are endangered.

CSL rescued 3 wild dogs, 1 giraffe, 1 lion, 1 hyaena, 3 elephants, 2 zebras, 4 impalas and 1 buffalo from snares last year. Image: Conservation South Luangwa

CSL community scouts work closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Zambian Carnivore Program on anti-snare patrols.

South Luangwa National Park is in eastern Zambia.

Their tireless efforts has seen the number of snares confiscated more than double from last year, with 682 snares destroyed in 2017.

Eradication of snares is a major focus but CSL also works to rescue and treat animals that are trapped and injured by snares whenever possible.

In the past year three wild dogs, one giraffe, one lion, one hyena, three elephants, two zebras, four impalas and one buffalo were de-snared by the teams.

All these animals would undoubtedly have died without the urgent veterinary treatment they received.

HSI is proud to support the work of CSL as they battle the war on poaching and we will continue to bring you news of their conservation efforts.

CSL community scouts work closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and the Zambian Carnivore Program on anti-snare patrols.