Snaring is an ongoing threat to wildlife in the Greater Kruger, and Wild Wonderful World continues to fund operations focused on proactively fighting poaching. One method used to prevent snaring is to collar indicator species with GPS tracking collars which allows reserve management to monitor the animals' movement in snaring hotspots.

In September 2024, WWW travelers Julie and Jessica had the unique opportunity to join a hyena collaring operation whilst on safari. WWW travel advisor Nini was also able to join. Julie is a board member of our USA branch, Wild Wonderful World Conservation Inc. Here's what they thought about their experience:

"The excitement was palpable as we prepared to observe the intricate teamwork involved in the collaring of a predator.  It was inspiring to see how different roles came together seamlessly to accomplish such an important conservation mission.

The team comprised a game reserve guide, reserve rangers, and a veterinary crew, each contributing their expertise.  As the team gathered to discuss the evening’s objectives, the collaboration and precision in planning were evident. The guide skillfully navigated us to a strategic spot within the hyena clan’s territory, maintaining constant communication with other individuals throughout the reserve to ensure other predators were not approaching our operational area.  Meanwhile, the rangers sourced the callup bait and kept a vigilant watch throughout the evening to ensure everyone's safety.

The veterinary team’s role was both delicate and demanding. They evaluated the approaching hyenas to select the ideal candidate, used precise marksmanship to tranquilize it, and then swiftly worked to check its vitals, assess its overall health, and fit the GPS tracking collar.

As observers, we were struck by one hyena’s resilience. The selected hyena bore a scar on her jawline, evidence of a previous snare injury. The veterinarian shared that their team had participated in numerous snare rescues in the area and expressed relief at seeing her healing well. Watching this previously trapped animal being collared to prevent further incidents was a poignant moment, underscoring the mission's critical importance.

It was heartwarming that one of the Rangers had his son along for the ride. Rangers provide crucial boots on the ground work to ensure the protection of our natural world, and this ranger's son is interested in following in his father's footsteps. Future conservation hero in the making!!

Thank you WWW for connecting people with conservation, this was an eye-opening experience and a memorable highlight during our time in South Africa!"

Written by Julie Schall and Jessica Tse

‍

You can support conservation projects like these by donating to our Frontier Projects fund, or by sponsoring a predator GPS tracking collar.