SANParks has asked visitors and communities surrounding their parks to report any illegal activities, after a Cape leopard was found killed by a snare in the Tsitsikamma National Park.

The male leopard had been caught by the snare and entangled to the point that he died.

SANParks senior ranger, Bruce Halana untangles snare in forest. SANParks
Terrestrial rangers patrol to find and cut off snares which endanger animals. SANParks

“Snares are illegal, inhumane and threaten the many terrestrial mammals and birds, listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red data list as either vulnerable or near threatened. The Cape Leopard is listed as near-threatened,” said the Park.

They said this was the second snare they found since the Tsitsikamma National Park increased foot patrols, observation points and vehicle patrols in terrestrial areas.

To assist with this, they are appealing to visitors to report any illegal behaviour so it can be dealt with swiftly.

Visitors can contact the relevant park authorities or the SANParks toll free line on 0800 000 221.

Picture: @SANParks/Facebook

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