Rooikat Conservation

08/09/2026

We often see comments on some of our posts comparing illegal hunting with legal hunting.

So we thought this post from the SPCA was worth sharing, because there is an important distinction that sometimes gets lost in these discussions.

For us, this has never been about being “for” or “against” hunting.

It’s about preventing cruelty, respecting the law, and using wildlife sustainably.

Legal hunting takes place within a regulated framework, with rules around what may be hunted, where, when and how. Poaching is the illegal taking of wildlife, outside those regulations and without regard for the laws designed to protect our wildlife and natural heritage.

And when it comes to snares, our concern is particularly straightforward: an animal caught in a snare can suffer for hours, days or even longer before it is found. That is unnecessary suffering, and it is something we can actively help prevent.

Besides the obvious problems associated, there is also serious damage being done to South Africa’s biodiversity and wildlife populations.

You don’t have to share the same views on hunting, conservation or wildlife utilisation to agree that cruelty should be prevented and that our laws should be respected. It also makes sense to allow something left for the future generations. Ask the illegal hunters. Even they know wildlife populations are dwindled and they need to take bigger risk to get reward.

That is where Rooikat stands. 🐾

Prevent cruelty. Respect the law. Use sustainably. Protect our wildlife 💚

🐾 PLEASE READ THIS AND UNDERSTAND WHAT ANIMAL SUFFERING REALLY MEANS

There is an important difference between killing an animal in a regulated, humane manner and allowing an animal to experience prolonged fear, pain and suffering.

When animals are slaughtered for food, there are laws, regulations and welfare standards intended to ensure that the process is carried out as quickly and humanely as possible, with unnecessary suffering minimised.

But when dogs are used to chase and attack a wild animal, the situation can be very different.

💔 The animal may be chased for a long distance.
💔 It experiences extreme fear and stress.
💔 Dogs may bite and tear at the animal while it is still alive.
💔 The animal may suffer painful injuries for a prolonged period before it dies.
💔 It may be surrounded, unable to escape, exhausted and terrified.

This is what people need to understand: suffering matters.

An animal does not understand why it is being chased, attacked or injured. It feels fear, pain and distress.

🐕‍🦺❌ Wildlife should never be allowed to suffer unnecessarily.

There is a difference between responsible, lawful animal management and cruelty that causes prolonged suffering.

🐾 Respect wildlife.
⚖️ Respect the law.
❤️ Stop unnecessary suffering.

07/09/2026

Join Rooikat Conservation on Saturday, 19 September 2026 for our next official Snare Removal Walk at ARC Roodeplaat!

Every snare removed is a life that could be saved. Every volunteer and every extra pair of eyes are incredibly valuable.

This is your chance to:
🐾 Learn how to identify and remove illegal snares
🌿 Experience hands-on conservation in action
💪 Be part of the fight against snare poaching
🦌 Help protect our wildlife

📅 Date: Saturday, 19 September 2026
⏰ Time: 07:45
📍 Venue: ARC Roodeplaat
👥 Hosted by: Rooikat Conservation

🔐 Booking is ESSENTIAL!
👉 https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/arc-roodeplaat-snare-removal-walk-19-september-2026

⚠️ No booking through the official link = No access on the day. Only registered participants will be allowed to join the walk.

💚 Can't make it? You can still help!
👉 Share this post.
👉 Tag a friend who loves wildlife.
👉 Help us reach more people who want to make a difference.

Together, we can remove the threat before it claims another victim.

13/08/2026

Spaces are filling up and is limited! Secure your ticket now and join the Rooikat Conservation team for an unforgettable weekend at Borakalalo Nature Reserve.

09/08/2026

Why would poachers dry the meat?

During a recent snare removal walk, we came across a slaughter site where poachers had snares an animal, and have been processing and hanging meat out to dry.

Drying meat is a traditional method of preservation. But in a poaching context, it has another very practical advantage: It makes the meat lighter.

As moisture is removed, the meat loses weight and bulk, making it significantly easier to transport, particularly when dealing with larger carcasses that would otherwise be difficult to carry out of the area.

Understanding these practices gives us a better picture of how poaching actually operates on the ground, and helps conservation teams understand what they are up against.

Conservation isn't just about finding snares. It's about understanding the bigger picture. 🐾

03/08/2026

Success in conservation isn't always measured by what you find, but sometimes by what you don't.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent snare removal walk at Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve.

This time, we didn't find a single snare.

For us, that's exactly the kind of result we hope to see. While there's always more work to be done, it's encouraging to see the progress being made. Through regular patrols, increased awareness, and the commitment of so many dedicated people, Roodeplaat is slowly becoming a safer place for wildlife. From our perspective, biodiversity is beginning to recover, and that's something worth celebrating.

Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is proving what can be achieved when reserve management, local communities, conservation organizations, volunteers, landowners, and passionate individuals all work towards a shared goal. The challenges facing our natural heritage are simply too great for any one person or organisation to tackle alone, but together we can make a real and lasting difference.

The patrol wasn't entirely without action. We removed a concealed illegal fishing float, used by fish poachers, as well as old barbed wire and other litter that no longer belongs in this beautiful environment.

To everyone who joined us; thank you for giving up your Saturday to make a difference. Every patrol strengthens the protection of this reserve, whether we remove 20 snares or none at all. We hope you enjoyed your time in the bush, learnt something new, and left with an even greater appreciation for the incredible wildlife and biodiversity that make Roodeplaat so special.

🌿 Join us this Saturday!

Our next Snare Removal Walk takes place this Saturday at Die Bosveld, and we'd love to have you with us. Whether you're joining for the first time or you're a regular volunteer, every extra pair of eyes and hands helps make a difference for our wildlife.

👉 RSVP here: https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/die-bosveld-snare-removal-walk-8-august-2026

02/08/2026

A bit of good Sunday news 🐾

Yesterday evening, we received a phone call from a farmer near Lichtenburg after he had caught a caracal in a cage trap. Having lost several blesbok lambs, he wanted to know whether we could help relocate the animal.

Although the caracal had been causing losses, the farmer made it clear that, he would rather see the animal relocated than destroyed.

We contacted John Power from the the North West environmental services, who immediately agreed to assist. Early this morning, he travelled to the farm and safely collected the caracal. Destined for relocation once all the checks are done and a suitable habitat has been found.

A sincere thank you to John for his willingness to assist at such short notice and for his dedication and the important work he continues to do for our wildlife. 💚

We would also like to acknowledge the farmer. Predator-livestock conflict is one of conservation's most challenging realities, and there are seldom simple answers. Choosing to seek help instead of immediately destroying the animal demonstrates a genuine willingness to pursue a responsible solution.

This story also highlights the value of the conservation network we have built together through the Rooikat community.

No single organization or individual can be everywhere. But by building trusted relationships with farmers, conservationists, environmental authorities, veterinarians, reserve managers, researchers, rehabilitation centers, volunteers, and more, we can ensure that when wildlife needs help, the right people can be connected quickly.

In this case, Rooikat Conservation didn't relocate the caracal, we connected the farmer with someone who could. That quick and easy connection made all the difference.

Every relationship we build strengthens our collective ability to respond to conservation challenges. Sometimes conservation is about boots on the ground. Other times, it's about knowing who to call. Both are equally important, and both help create better outcomes for people and wildlife.

29/07/2026

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Attributed to Mahatma Gandhi

Please keep the discussion respectful and constructive. Comments that are abusive, intentionally inflammatory, racially motivated, or that seek to justify or glorify animal cruelty or illegal activities will be removed. Our aim is to encourage meaningful conversation about wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

27/07/2026

12 Snares Removed | ARC Roodeplaat

On the 18th July, our volunteers returned to ARC Roodeplaat for another snare removal patrol, where we removed 12 wire snares, 10 of which had been freshly set. We also collected and removed cable theft remnants that could have been used to make even more snares.

Every snare removed is one less threat to our wildlife, and every piece of wire taken out of the bush is one less opportunity for another animal to become a victim.

One moment that really stood out was watching a zebra slowly make its way towards the very area where those freshly set snares had been found. It was an incredible sight, but also a sobering reminder of why this work matters. Had those snares remained in place, the outcome could have been very different.

Snaring remains one of the most widespread and indiscriminate threats to wildlife. Whether it's a zebra, warthog, antelope, predator, or even a tortoise, any animal can become an unintended victim.

A huge thank you to every volunteer who gave up their Saturday to make a difference, and to the team at ARC Roodeplaat for once again allowing us to work in this important conservation area. Your continued support and collaboration are greatly appreciated.

Together, we're making a difference, one snare at a time. 🐾

Visit https://www.rooikat.org/snare-removal to book your walk with us and make a difference!

21/07/2026

Rooikat - Friends of Borakalalo Weekend | 28 - 30 August 2026 🐾

Join Rooikat Conservation for a 2-night Conservation Camp Weekend at Borakalalo Nature Reserve!

This exclusive getaway is your chance to reconnect with nature, develop practical conservation skills, and spend a meaningful weekend with like-minded people.

Enjoy immersive bush walks, learn the art of track & sign interpretation, take part in hands-on conservation activities, experience Borakalalo's spectacular wildlife and scenery, and unwind around the campfire beneath star-filled skies while surrounded by the tranquility of the African bush.

This weekend promises adventure, learning, inspiration, and unforgettable memories. Come experience the magic of Borakalalo and become part of conservation in action.

To book your spot, visit https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/rooikat-friends-of-borakalalo-conservation-weekend-28-30-august-2026

14/07/2026

A friendly reminder to book your spot for this Saturday's Snare Removal Walk at ARC Roodeplaat!

Join us for a morning in the bush, help protect our wildlife, and make a real difference.

Book here: https://www.rooikat.org/event-details/arc-roodeplaat-snare-removal-walk-18-july-2026