Protect Mountainlands: Threatened Wildlife Refuge

Quarterly Protection Impact Summary

Over the past quarter, your support enabled sustained, intelligence-led protection across the protected area, resulting in meaningful disruption of illegal activity and stronger security control.

Bushmeat poaching remained the most consistent threat, but proactive patrols made a measurable difference. Ninety-five snare incidents were recorded, leading to the removal of 92 wire snares. In one month alone, teams removed over 50 snares, preventing injuries and deaths among wildlife. Most snares recovered were classified as very old, including dormant lines still set in place. One historical hotspot yielded nine snares in a single area, confirming effective area domination while reducing long-term bycatch risk.

Law enforcement operations during the quarter resulted in six arrests, all concluded with zero escapes and without the use of force. Several suspects were intercepted before equipment could be deployed, and tools such as pliers, torches, and food were seized, stopping harm before it occurred.

Illegal mining continued to place heavy pressure on the landscape. Early detection forced larger groups to fragment, allowing teams to disrupt smaller cells through targeted patrols. In one high-pressure zone, 42 illegal mining incidentswere recorded, each affecting approximately 0.5 hectares, equating to 21 hectares of damaged habitat. Continued boundary incursions confirmed the need for ongoing enforcement and future restoration.

Throughout the quarter, teams logged critical intelligence through suspicious item recoveries and 12 incidents of suspicious activity, including loitering and reconnaissance-type behaviour. This intelligence continues to guide patrol strategy and strengthen perimeter security.

Together, these outcomes reflect a quarter of strong protection impact preventing harm, disrupting illegal networks, and safeguarding wildlife and habitat. Your support made this possible, thank you.