Tigers and Amur leopards are caught either unintentionally in prey snares or as targeted victims to fuel the international, illegal trade of wildlife. Both may lead to a prolonged, painful death as the animal struggles with the resulting infection and an inability to hunt effectively. It can cause an increase in human-wildlife conflict as the cat targets easier domestic livestock or people. This can result in retaliation by people, setting up a deadly cycle of snaring and retribution killings.

Having enough properly paid rangers with sufficient equipment is essential to provide protection to big cats and their wider ecosystems. Rangers dismantle snares and perform wildlife first aid or alert a vet if an animal needs de-snaring and medical attention. Funds raised support these vital patrols and finances community empowerment programs. We fund projects that reduce snaring through more sustainable methods of livestock and crop protection and provide alternative livelihoods for poachers.