Evaluating wire-snare poaching trends and the impacts of by-catch on elephants and large carnivores

摘要: Abstract Wire snare poaching is widespread in Africa yet snaring trends, patterns and the impacts of by-catch on non-target threatened species such as elephant (Loxodonta africana), lion (Panthera leo) African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) are poorly understood. We conducted retrospective analyses data from 1038 anti-poaching patrols Zambia’s Luangwa valley December 2005 to November 2010, evaluate dynamics effect season, patrol size length detection. also assessed elephant, lion, populations critical area’s wildlife tourism-based economy. Snaring mortality increased overall offtake by 32%. Approximately 11.5% adult subadult population 20% (>4 years) males were snared. Snared dogs occurred 67% packs (n = 6), comprising 14–50% yearling pack members (median = 20%) 6–16% a resident (median = 6%) already at minimum viable (mean = 5.6). Evidence for seasonal annual trends differed type, substantial evidence positive interannual existed there was no decreasing trend. Because intended reduce enforcement adaptive toward increasing detection, evaluations potentially confounded; thus we recommend that portion effort should be devoted non-adaptive surveys under fixed, well-designed protocols enable unbiased tracking over time objective evaluation community conservation efforts. In addition precautionary management emphasizing law essential protect existing wildlife-based economies resources.