Manager: Cobus Smit

Kaapjag recently appointed Cobus Smit to our Extended Management Team as Head of the  Problem Animal Control portfolio. This portfolio plays an important role in our conservation efforts to address wild animals and human conflict wherever it exists in our area of influence.

Wild animals, including feral animals that cause crop damage on farms and threaten biodiversity in the landscape, require the control of their numbers and in the case of feral and alien species sometimes eradication.

These activities within our association take place under strict control to ensure the safety of everyone involved, as well as legal, responsible and ethical practices. It is further governed by a newly established MOU between Cape Nature and Kaapjag.

Cobus Smit is experienced and knowledgeable about conservation matters and has served many years as an Honorary Game Ranger with Cape Nature.

Furthermore, Cobus has been a snake catcher and relocator in the Cape Peninsula and surrounding areas for many years.

He is extremely knowledgeable about snakes and is passionate about their protection. Human settlements have over centuries, encroached on the habitat of snakes and other wild animals and it is therefore not surprising that human and wildlife conflict will occur. We must manage this conflict responsibly and humanely.    

Our new Portfolio Manager for Problem Animal Control has already arranged several successful opportunities for members to assist in control efforts. Please remember that success is not measured by the size of the bag.

Interested members are requested to contact animalcontrol@kaapjag.co.za to be added to the list of members ready to be called upon when opportunities arise.

Every effort will be made to give all the members on the list an opportunity to assist with this important work.

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