Snares are the leading cause of death among Sri Lanka's leopards(Panthera Pardus Kotiya), accounting for 42 (of which 3 have been black leopards), recorded deaths within the last 10 years. The wild leopard population in 2015 was roughly estimated at around 700-950. Since 2008 Sri Lankan leopard is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List. On May 29th an extremely rare black leopard-an actual black panther - died at a government facility in Sri Lanka. It had been brought to the facility for treatment after being rescued from a trap (snare). Only around 5 of them are supposed to exist in the wild, currently. The black leopard occurs as a result of a single recessive gene known as melanism. Three leopards - one injured and two dead- were found in the Tea growing areas of Sri Lanka. The two succumbed to snare-induced injuries, weeks after the death of the black leopard.
Snares usually catch around the leopards' hip area damaging the kidneys as the noose crushes them. According to the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) from 2010-2020 90% of leopards that get caught in snares, die.

Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot and its population of leopards is dwindling at an alarming rate. The 42 deaths reported in Sri Lanka were caused by injuries due to snares. Thus it is likely that there have been far more snare induced injuries that have not even been reported.

A snare is a trap for catching birds or mammals, typically one having a noose of wire or a cord. Snares are simple, effective traps. The production process of snares is cheap and easy to set in large numbers. Snares are used to target specific animals, however, their effectiveness ensures that any animal could fall victim to its grip. Small single strand snares are set closer to the ground and thicker snares are used to catch larger animals, as a result, even elephants’ feet get trapped in them.

Due to their low cost, snares are one of the most common traps used to catch animals. However, as mentioned before, due to their indiscriminate nature any animal could fall victim to it. Snares are especially hazardous to endangered species of animals and wildlife in general. Thus, this crisis can only be resolved by drastically increasing penalties for those who set up snares and who are in possession of snare materials.

Snaring of wildlife has been prohibited under Sri Lanka's Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. However, an exception is made for animals such as wild-boar - deemed a "pest species" as they damage crops.

Even though snaring is technically illegal in Sri Lanka, it is the exception to the rule that has caused so much destruction to the fauna of this country.
Wildlife is an asset to this country and the use of snares poses a threat to it. Thus by banning the use of snares we protect one of the country's most valuable assets thus preserving a vital part of Sri Lanka's identity and as citizens of this country, we should all support the ban of snares!!