The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is concerned over the increasing use of wire snares to illegally hunt and kill wild animals in the Etosha National Park.

In a media statement, the ministry's spokesperson says a few animals were recently spotted by tourists in the park with snares around their necks, causing public concern.

Romeo Muyunda says that in a period of three days, a total of 62 active wire snares were retrieved in the area around Okaukuejo.

Plus, fresh human footprints were also observed, and a combined search for the suspected residents was also instituted in the area.

Muyunda explained that it is suspected that snares are being set by some community members that reside within the national park with the intention to hunt and kill game animals for meat.

He stressed that snare removal is one of their daily duties as part of park management.

Since June 2023, the Ministry has commissioned a joint operation in collaboration with NamPol and the Namibia Defence Force around Okakuejo to search for and remove the snares in the park.

Additionally, four community engagement meetings were also conducted, where communities were educated and reminded of the rules and regulations of the park as well as penalties for contravention as per the provisions of the law.

Muyunda called upon visitors in the parks who may come across active wire snares, traps, or any other illegal activity to report it to the Ministry's officials for swift action.

He says the Etosha National Park, to be specific, is one of Namibia's flagship parks, and such incidences tarnish the park's reputation.

There are approximately 400 community members who reside within the Etosha National Park