SINCE Covid-19, the number of snares used by poachers has increased in the Kruger National Park.
Since the rhino population has declined, people have taken to snaring. Poachers are now targeting elephants, buffalo and other small species.
They use ordinary wires and power cables to catch the animals.
South African National Parks spokesman Ike Phaahla said the trend increased immediately after Covid.
Phaahla said they have no evidence of what the increase is due to.
He said most the trapping takes place in the far north and south-east of the park.
Phaahla said the park had done what it had to do to ensure that the animals are safe. He said rangers on the ground are constantly patrolling and volunteers helping with snare removal.
"Once we get rid of the animals that are attracting people from overseas to come to Kruger National Park, it will affect tourism numbers and it will also threaten people's livelihoods.
"We're doing what we can inside the park and if the measures we are taking can be taken outside the park, I think we will see a decline. It's important that communities report such activities to the relevant authorities so that they can take action against it," Phaahla said.
