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Mala Mala Game Reserve

Emergency Action to Free Snared Elephant from Death

An urgent call from Mala Mala Game Reserve set WeWild Africa’s team into immediate action for a critical mission: rescuing a young elephant caught in a life-threatening snare. The operation required the funding for rapid aerial deployment and expert veterinary care.

The successful extraction of the snare was a relief, yet it served as a reminder of their widespread use. Snares, set illegally by either poachers or hunter-gathers in conservation areas, often capture unintended targets, like endangered species. 

WeWild Africa encounters these situations frequently, removing a snare from an animal almost every second week. Each operation is a delicate task that involves not only the removal of the snare but also ensuring the animal’s overall well-being, like treating it from any injuries or wounds it has sustained in the snare. WeWild Africa funds the necessary transport, including helicopter services, and covers the veterinary costs for these operations. Additionally, we provide on-site logistical support to ensure these operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Why are snares, and therefore snare emergencies, so common?

The use of snares in Africa, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, is primarily driven by a few key factors:

Poverty and Subsistence

People living in or near wildlife habitats often resort to setting snares to capture wild animals for food. This subsistence hunting is a means of survival for those who have limited access to other food sources.

Commercial Poaching

Snares are cheap, easy to make, and effective, making them a favored tool for poachers looking to illegally capture wildlife for sale on the black market. This includes the trade of bushmeat or body parts of endangered species, which are in demand in certain markets.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

In areas where wildlife and human populations overlap, there can be conflicts, particularly when wild animals pose a threat to livestock or crops. Snares may be used by farmers and ranchers to protect their livelihoods from predators like lions or leopards, although this is often done illegally and can indiscriminately harm non-target species.

Lack of Alternatives

In some communities, there is a lack of awareness about the ecological impact of snares or the legal implications of using them. Additionally, without viable economic alternatives or effective wildlife management strategies, people may continue to rely on snares as a source of income or food.

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The work carried out by WeWild Africa is only possible with the support of individual donors like yourself. You can join us and help us to rescue wildlife, rewild animals, and restore landscapes. 

 

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