Our favourite four-legged friends have become increasingly important in the protection of wildlife across Africa. Their super-developed sense of smell makes them perfect for detecting and tracking poachers in protected areas. Their proven effectiveness has led to many anti-poaching teams expanding to include man’s best friend.
During a recent trip to Malawi, Peace Parks Foundations’ Chief Development Officer, Lilian Spijkerman, is meeting Nyika National Park’s canine team to learn more about the rapid response unit who helps to keep the park safe and protected.
While getting to know the dogs and their handlers better, Lilian gets a little more than she bargained for when Jungle takes an immediate liking to her.
Meet Nyika’s Anti-Poaching Rapid Response Unit
Nyika’s Counter-Poaching Coordinator, Norman English, introduces Lilian to Joseph, Alick and Kondwani, the men responsible for looking after the dogs. All three previously had other responsibilities but volunteered for the position and now dedicate most of their time to ensuring that Jungle, Nkonzo and AK are well looked after.
The rangers and their dogs recently participated in the 21-kilometre Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a fundraising initiative that helps support the men and women on the frontlines of conservation. This was the longest distance the dogs had ever run on a lead with their handlers, but they managed the challenge exceptionally well. This is encouraging as it means the dogs are fit and strong enough to follow a scent over large distances.
A Special Breed
Norman explains that these dogs are specifically bred for the purpose of tracking by the renowned canine breeder, Gaven Holden-Smith. Gaven recently visited Nyika National Park to provide training to both rangers and dogs to help them successfully tackle illegal activities in the park. You can watch more on that here.
Upwards For Nyika’s Anti-Poaching Unit
Peace Parks Foundation and partners are working closely with the Government of Malawi to restore this unique habitat through various community upliftment and development programmes, as well as protecting Nyika from poachers. The rapid response unit plays an integral part in this, as they sniff out those who prey on Nyika’s precious and endangered fauna and flora.
More than a man’s best friend
The bond between these handlers and their dogs is something special. Apart from providing company to rangers who operate in remote areas like this, these canines also help boost the effectiveness of anti-poaching operations. This gives the field rangers the critical support they need to keep Malawi’s largest and oldest national park protected and safe.
