The Noordhoek wetland is being used as a hunting ground by poachers who leave dangerous snares for animals to be caught in.
Noordhoek, South Africa (08 August 2022) – The Noordhoek community are serious about protecting their natural spaces and wildlife. The residents work together to make sure that their wetland is clear of pollution, litter and snares left by poachers.
Karoline Hanks, who runs Project Noordhoeked, has a team that regularly works in the wetlands especially to identify snares before they hurt any animals.
“This is not for sensitive folk, but this is the reality out in our wetland. Many hundreds of snares have been found and removed. Some with evidence of struggle and death, some not. One actually caught a dog walker’s pup by the leg, it was that potent, and that close to the path,” she says.
Hanks says that her Project Noordhoeked team will become the eyes and ears in the wetland as they work in the area removing the invasive forests of Port Jackson, which are providing the perfect placement for these rudimentary snares.
“Last week, we were taken out by an experienced tracker and shown what’s what, and my team proved themselves to be capable and competent. In the space of two hours, they removed seven snares,” says Hanks.
“We firmly believe this will add huge value to our work and offerings and have a positive effect on ecosystem integrity in our valley.”
The Noordhoek Ratepayers Association is dedicated to supporting Karoline and her team. They have offered to collect and manage financial donations, which will be used to keep the wetland safe for all.
“Our wetland is unbelievably magnificent and diverse, and we need to do all we can to protect it. The best way to do so is to become a NRPA member, as we support projects like Project Noordhoeked and others.” – Brad Bing, Noordhoek Ratepayers Chairperson (NRPA).
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The donations will be used to employ a team to keep the wetland free of litter, pollution and snares. The community is supportive of this initiative as many use the area to go walking.
“Donations mean we can keep employing our intrepid team and continue to make a massive difference to our little piece of paradise.” – Karonline Hanks
Not only does the team hope to protect their own wetland, but they also share advice for other communities wanting to do the same. You can read their tips here.
If you would like to support the wetland protection efforts, you can find out more via the website here or donate using the details below.
Account Name: Noordhoek Ratepayers
Bank: Nedbank,
Branch: Longbeach Mall (Branch 125009)
Account Type: Savings account
Account Number: 2008230716
Reference: Your name and Project Noordhoeked.
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