CRR Updates
Reports from the Veld
Snaring
We were granted a wonderful respite from snaring for many months after the huge fire last season but sadly the problem of snares has once again raised its ugly head on both the Eastern and Western sides of the CRR and seems to be on the increase.
Most of our volunteers for the snare walks come from outside the Reserve and one snare walk a month is not sufficient if we really want to protect our biodiversity. We implore landowners to check their own properties on a regular basis and attend snare walks arranged for those areas we know will not otherwise be seen too.
SDS / CRR Partnership
Late one Friday evening an injured Blesbok was spotted and reported by a member’s employee who was walking through the veld. The late hour made it unsafe for only one or two people to go and investigate and it was originally thought it might be caught in a snare. SDS was asked to go out. With the assistance of the CRR member and the person who found the animal SDS located the Blesbok, established it was injured but not by a snare and needed medical attention. The Blesbok was put in the back of their vehicle (this was no mean feat) and taken to the Fourways Veterinary Clinic and from there to JHB Wildlife Vets. It was gratifying to see the SDS / CRR Partnership that has been in place for the last few years benefitting our biodiversity.
Two visits to the JHB Wildlife Vet
A few days after the rescue of the Blesbok we had cause to visit the JHB Wildlife Vet a second time with another buck, a Duiker found in Roodekrans. The Duiker was ill and despite every effort did not make it. The Blesbok however is improving. The story of the Blesbok is one that should give us all pause to think. This animal has grossly overgrown hooves and muscle wastage, along with a huge septic abscess on its chest from being on the ground for an extended amount of time. The vet has no doubt that the Blesbok (nicknamed Stokkie) has been kept in captivity, in a confined space for some time and managed to escape or was let out. It is clearly habituated, showing no fear of people or dogs. His hooves, the abscess and general health are being taken care of and he was finally able to stand five days after he was taken in.
There is very strict legislation in place regarding the keeping of wild animals. This should be followed to the letter because it is there to protect the animals we choose to keep for our own pleasure. Anyone choosing to obtain game and keep it fenced in has a responsibility to care for the animals properly. Before making this decision do your homework and make sure you understand what is required to ensure the animal’s wellbeing. Please report any cases of neglect and abuse to JHB Wildlife Vet and they will ensure it is dealt with.
JHB Wildlife Vet is a voluntary organization and works entirely off donations. We are very grateful for their assistance with both cases. We all know how expensive taking any animal to the vet can be. If you would like to donate to a worthy cause please consider the JHB Wildlife Vet. They are located at 101 Macgillivray Rd, Glenferness AH, Midrand and their contact number is 071 248 1514. Donations can be made to JHB Wildlife NPC, FNB Chq Account 62658400264, Branch Code 255355.
