Snaring is an indiscriminate, cruel and unsustainable hunting method which triggers devastating repercussions across ecosystems. Snares are often set to catch game meat species such as small antelope and porcupine, species that comprise a significant portion of the leopard’s diet in the Western Cape. Snares adversely affect large carnivores by reducing their prey base and can also maim or even kill leopards.

In 2023, the Cape Leopard Trust (CLT) together with CapeNature, Kogelberg Biosphere, Wildlife Forensic Academy and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched Snare Free, a collaborative project that provides a coordinated response to snared wildlife, as well as improved training, data collection and awareness about snaring in the Western Cape province. As Snare Free rolled out, a shortfall in the CLT’s capacity and funding to meet the escalating demand for snare mitigation support across the province became apparent. Thanks to the Regina Mundi Global Impact Grant and match funding secured by the CLT and other partners (Remembering Leopards, Mouton Citrus Foundation, Cape Winelands Properties (Pty) Ltd, Thornlands Pakstoor (Pty) Ltd and Autus Foundation) we were able to engage a Snare Free Training Support Officer and a Hotline Handler to complement and add value to the initiative as the project evolved. 

Please read more about the project at https://snarefree.co.za/ ; Get involved – Email: info@snarefree.co.za Snare Free Hotline: +27 76 127 8485