Leopard dies as a result of human action
The following post is not for the sensitive readers and discretion is advised.
On the 23rd of July 2020, the Tenikwa Wildlife Rehabilitaion Centre received yet another call about a Leopard that had died as a result of human action.
This time, however, it was more deliberate. The male Leopard had been caught in a poacher’s snare. The poor animal almost completely severed the bottom half of its body trying to escape.
We are currently experiencing a movement to reopen tourism. The hashtag jobs save lives is making the rounds. Millions of tourism workers are united to save what is left of the industry. What we need to remember is that these animals are one of the major reasons we have such a booming tourism industry. Save tourism by stopping this.
We need to take collective responsibility for our wildlife and remember that animals such as leopard and the food they eat also occur naturally outside of protected areas. It is up to us to be vigilant and aware of what is happening.
We want to say thanks to the people at the Landmark Foundation who came through today to take samples and offered to share any information they uncover with us to help us better understand the circumstances surrounding this animal. We cannot afford to keep losing animals like this.
Stand together. Let’s spread the word. 1 more animal in a snare is 1 animal too many.
As a concerned citizen there are a few helpful tips to observe:
What can landowners and managers do?
- Forewarn all permanent and seasonal workers that snaring is illegal and will not be tolerated (include a clause in contracts). All other contractors entering the property (i.e. woodcutters, trail builders, alien clearing teams, etc.) should be made aware of zero tolerance towards snaring.
- Educate the workforce about the negative aspects and impacts of snaring.
- Regular, visible patrols to find and remove snaresLimit/restrict access to materials that can be used to make snares (i.e. discarded vineyard wire and pieces of cable)Clear stands of alien vegetation and restore natural vegetation.
- Share knowledge and create awareness about snaring activity among neighbors
What can the public do?
While enjoying time out in nature, be on the lookout for illegal wire snares. Cut and disarm these snares and report them to us. Also, report any other suspicious activity like other types of traps and feral dogs
Members of conservancies, hiking clubs, MTB clubs, neighborhood watches, etc, can make concerted efforts to gather regularly for snare patrols on private properties (following due process for permission from the owner/manager), similar to community-driven alien clearing hacks
If you would like to sponsor an animal food during lockdown, click this special link.
Remember every donation, no matter how small will help ensure that our animals get what they need and when our gates open again, we can all enjoy the beauty of Tenikwa together