The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has identified rampant cases of snares and traps set up in Namibia’s National Parks as a serious threat to the country’s tourism sector.
The snares, the MEFT has established are being used to hunt wild animals for meat consumption.
“The Ministry is concerned over the increasing use of snares to illegally hunt and kill wild animals in the Etosha National Park. A few animals were recently spotted by tourists in the park with snares around their necks causing public concern,” MEFT Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said.
Muyunda said the ministry embarked on a snare removal exercise, which has become one of the ministry’s day to day duties as part of park management.
So far 62 active traps have been retrieved since the joint program undertaken by MEFT, Namibia Defence Force and the Namibian Police started in June.
It is suspected that snares are being set up by some community members that reside within the National Park with the intention to hunt and kill game animals for meat.
There are approximately 400 community members within the Etosha National Park.
“This practice is not in any means sanctioned by the Ministry hence illegal and punishable by law,” stressed Muyunda.
The Ministry voiced this after reports emerged a week ago of a springbok that was spotted by tourists with a snare around the neck.
Thereafter the ministry embarked on an inspection exercise, and in a period of 3 days, a total of 62 active wire snares were retrieved in the area around Okaukuejo.
According to Muyunda, fresh human footprints were also observed, and a combined search for the suspected residents was also instituted at Okakuejo.
Mitigating this, the ministry held four community meetings to sensitise and educate them on the rules and regulations of the park as well as penalties for contravention as per the provisions of the law.
“Snare removal exercise is ongoing in all our national parks, we want to call upon our tourists or visitors in the parks that may come across active wire snare, traps, or any other illegal activity to report to the Ministry’s officials for swift action,” he urged.
In relation to the springbok, following the report, Muyunda said a veterinarian was immediately summoned, but after careful examination, the veterinarian observed that the wire had cut deep into tissue affecting vital structures.
The springbok was then euthanised.
“We want to warn and send a firm caution to those involved in this very illicit activity to stop or face the risk of being caught and charged with illegal hunting of game. The Etosha National Park to be specific is our flagship park, such incidents tarnish the park’s reputation. Should it be established that any of our officials are involved, they will be severely dealt with following set disciplinary protocols,” Muyunda cautioned.
