Snares to Wares
Spartan conservationists find creative solutions for protecting human livelihood while saving wildlife in East Africa
Villagers in Pakwach, Uganda, create wire sculptures of big game animals available for purchase through an MSU nonprofit. The sculptures are created from illegal traps intended to snare elephants, lions, rhinos and smaller animals in East African National Parks. Front-line conservationists, the villagers are helping animals survive while earning income along the way.
“We are entering the next phase of Snares to Wares as we are teaching the young men how to form the wires into sculptures of the animals that are being snared so people locally and globally can truly help conserve wildlife,” MSU Professor Robert Montgomery said. He is an assistant professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The ultimate goal of this community-based conservation effort is to change a way of life—and preserve the lives of the animals.
Find sculptures available for sale at: msusurplusstore.com
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