Snares to Wares

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

Learn more about Robert Montgomery:

Beneath the Pines: Winter 2020

Not for Sale

Wildlife trafficking is recognized globally as a threat to endangered species, habitats and people. MSU faculty members recently formed a team to find a new approach to disrupt.

Spartan Magazine, Winter 2020

Snares to Wares

Villagers in Pakwach, Uganda, create wire sculptures of big game animals available for purchase through an MSU nonprofit.

Spartan Magazine, Winter 2020