Poaching

Definition

Poaching is the illegal hunting, killing or capturing of animals. This can occur in a variety of ways.  Poaching can refer to the failure to comply with regulations for legal harvest, resulting in the illegal taking of wildlife that would otherwise be allowable. Examples include: Taking without a license or permit, use of a prohibited weapon or trap, taking outside of the designated time of day or year, and taking of a prohibited sex or life stage.  Poaching can also refer to the taking of animals from a gazzetted wildlife sanctuary, such as a national park, game reserve, or zoo. Most countries enforce various sanctions on the hunting of wild animals, and international controls, such as bans, restrictions and monitored trade, are all aimed at controlling poaching. However, it is important to note that hunting, under specific regulations, is in fact often permitted in designated game preserves.

Methods of poaching

Snare wire

These are cable wires of different lengths which are tied on trees to trap animals. The snare is put in such a position that it traps the animal around the neck. The wire strangles the animal as it struggles to free itself. Snares are used by poachers in national parks in Kenya and Tanzania.

Spears and dogs

Figure 3. Hunters with a net wrapped on a stick and a spear on their way to hunting in Masindi District, Western Uganda. (Source: Photograph by Magelah Peter G. © 2007)

A more traditional method involves chasing and spearing animals with the assistance of dogs. The dogs disorient the animal and in some cases actually subdue it. A dog may have a bell tied around its necks, which startles the quarry from its hiding place.

Trap nets

The net is spread at one end of an area, and the poachers, sometimes with the assistance of dogs, chase the animals towards it. The animals get trapped in the net, and the poachers spear them.

Pitfalls

Pits are dug to trap large animals such as elephants, buffaloes and zebras. The pits are dug across the path of the animals. The pits are normally covered with grass and trees to disguise them. The animals are normally pushed towards the pit. This is done in two ways: some hunters chase the animals, while others provoke the animals into chasing them. Because the animals are heavier than the plants covering the pit, they will fall in while crossing the pit. It is here that the hunters will come and kill the animal; most of these animals are killed for their ivory, teeth and other products. Normally the hunter takes a very small part of the animal, which is then sold to dealers.

Arrows and bows

Figure 4. Snare-like trap used to trap smaller animals in the Rwenzori region. (Source: Photograph by Magelah Peter G. © 2007)

These are normally made out of local forest products. Some hunters such as the Mbuti pygmies of Congo are said to put poison on their arrow tips.

Other traps

Figure 5. Horseshoe-like trap used to trap smaller animals in the Rwenzori region. The trap holds the animal by its leg. (Source: Photograph by Magelah Peter G. © 2007)

Poachers use many other traps; most are made with local materials. An example is a snare-like trap used to trap small animals mainly used by communities in the Rwenzori area (Figure 4). The other commonly used trap in the area is a horseshoe-like trap made from iron (Figure 5). The trap is placed on the ground and the animal gets trapped when it steps on it.
Many people have been inadvertently injured by poachers' traps. The majority of the casualties are women and children who normally go into the forests to collect firewood, food, and other forest products. Stepping on a trap like the one in Figure 5 can lead to broken legs and even death.