Forensic evidence plays key role in linking poachers to snare scenes

Content Warning: This post contains photos and information related to wildlife crime that some readers may find distressing. Viewer discretion is advised.

Building a prosecutable case against a poacher starts long before an arrest is made — it starts at the scene where the crime occurred.

According to Wildlife Crime, every snare discovered in the bush should be treated as physical evidence of a wildlife crime and investigated accordingly.

A simple loop of wire can provide important clues about the intent and activities of those targeting wildlife. However, without properly collected and preserved evidence, cases can collapse, allowing suspected poachers to return to the same areas and continue setting snares.

Wildlife Crime says the fight against illegal snaring must therefore go beyond removing snares and focus on building strong cases that can ultimately lead to convictions.

“Real impact is not measured by the number of snares removed, it is measured by the number of convictions secured,” the organisation said.

It urged members of the public to report anyone suspected of setting snares or traps.

Wildlife crime can be reported via WhatsApp or telephone on 079 643 9556, or by email at *[report@wcin.org.za](mailto:report@wcin.org.za). The organisation said all information provided would be treated as confidential.