Dedicated patrol team remove 50+ snares from prime tiger habitat

Illegal hunting has always been an  issue in  Mondulkiri Protected Forest (MPF), Eastern Cambodia. But when the WWF Cambodia research team discovered an increasing number of snares within the core zone, they decided it was time to take action.

Working in co-operation with MPF law enforcement, strategic areas were selected based on local information and recent reports of increased illegal activities and snare locations.

Around 30 staff, divided into 5 teams, travelled to core locations to conduct the removal operation.

Rivers are prime snare locations as poachers often target areas around bodies of water that are used by animals as watering holes. When the rivers flood it becomes more difficult, with no bridges or paths in place and so the snare removal team had to wade through the water carrying their motorbikes with them.

A short meeting was held at one of the outposts to gather information about the areas being targeted. A map highlighted key locations, and the team split again each lead by a team leader.  Each team then covered their allocated areas, removing any snares they came across as well as investigating any potentially illegal camps in the vicinity.

A total of 57 snares were confiscated along with 2 chainsaws and 1 set of electric fishing tools plus any illegal huts were destroyed.

Mondulkiri Protected Forest is being considered as a potential tiger reintroduction site.

Strict protection measures are being put in place so the tiger prey species can recover, an essential if tigers are ever to be reintroduced.

With the removal of the snares not only do the chances of tigers surviving in the area increase but also the survival chances of other wildlife.

A BIG thank you to the those who helped in this operation!