The Buffalo Municipality urges farmers and residents to strengthen enclosures by making chicken coops and animal pens, predator-proof, rather than trap wildlife.
This is after a large-spotted genet was found trapped at a farm, close to East London.
The community around that farm, reported the incident to the East London Aquarium and the Friends of the Aquarium, who safely handed the animal to authorities.
Later it was released into a green space.
Genets play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling pests, because they feed on mice and rats.
Bongani Fuzile, Spokesperson of the Municipality, said in an update, removing them from their natural habitats not only disrupts the balance of local ecosystems but also places the animal at risk.
“This genet now faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment, finding food, and establishing a new territory, a process that is difficult and not always successful. For this reason, relocation should always be the last resort.”
The Municipality also said as cities expand, human-wildlife interactions, will become more frequent.
Picture of a large spotted genet, Gondwana Nature Reserve.