The KZN SANParks K9 unit sent out a newsletter to thank their supporters and donors and shared all the good they have done since April 2017.
The K9 Unit at SANParks KwaZulu Natal have a successful ‘Project Watch Dog’ programme running to protect wildlife from being poached. They recently sent out a newsletter thanking donors and supporters for helping them maintain the programme and gave news on the good things they have managed to do.
The dogs are the most important part of the programme and caring for them is the number one priority. Thanks to donors, the dogs received 180kgs of food from Hills, medical equipment for the onsite vet rooms and flea and tick treatments.
The K9 unit is one of the biggest in the world with 70 dogs and their handlers. Every dog has a purpose and skill perfect for the unit.
Sniffer dogs (Spaniels, Beagles, Labradors and German Shepherds) check vehicles at the park entry gates for firearms, ammunition and wildlife products. The Bloodhound/Doberman mix bred in South Africa are the master trackers of human or carcass scents, even on ‘cold’ spoor older than 8 hours, and the Belgian Shepherds (Malinois) are the ambush specialists, deployed from helicopters or vehicles to stop and immobilize poachers
An exciting addition is currently in the works at the KZN unit. The dogs will be receiving an obstacle training course at the K9 Centre to help continue their training.
All SANParks’ dogs go through an initial training at the K9 Centre. In addition, they are re-evaluated every 3-5 months to ensure that they, and their handlers, are working at peak performance.
The dogs will also be fitted with tracking harnesses to ensure they are accounted for while on duty.
This means that all units of the entire coordinated anti-poaching effort in the KNP are able to see where deployed dogs are at any given time. The system also allows each K9 handler to locate his dog on his cell phone.
To support the SANParks Honorary Rangers and the K9 Unit, you can find their information on their Facebook page. These men and women volunteer their time to protect and conserve our wildlife and we are so proud to share their stories with you, our reader.
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