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K9 Project Watchdog

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The K9 national project manages all canine related Honorary Ranger activity in our national parks.

Poaching in our national parks remains a major conservation challenge in South Africa. The K9 Anti-Poaching Unit is considered a game changer for anti-poaching initiatives in the Kruger National Park.

Well-trained dogs such as the Bloodhound, Belgian Shepherd, or Malinois, breeds are perfectly suited to track poachers in the field and detect firearms, ammunition and wildlife products that enter and exit through park gates. These remarkable dogs can follow an hours-old scent over impressive distances.

A well-trained dog and its handler are powerful weapons against wildlife crime. Dogs use their superior senses of smell, hearing, eyesight and agility to sense and do things that people can’t. As poachers become more lethally armed, dogs provide vital early warning and safety systems for rangers and handlers. Their keen sense of smell and ability to track over long distances for up to 48 hours make them invaluable additions to anti-poaching programs

Tracker dogs are deployed by helicopter or vehicle and operate throughout the Park. Since its inception in 2012, the K9 anti-poaching Unit in the Kruger National Park has grown from 3 to 55 dogs. Because of its success, the project has been extended to other National Parks, with a total of 75 dogs now working across the country.

An integral contributor to the success of this unit is the support of the SANParks Honorary Rangers.

Making Contact

January 24, 2023
Making Contact - A K9 conservation Story “The ‘pawsome’ series was filmed in Hluhluwe iMfolozi, Kruger National Park and Cape Town and has been created by Hills Pet Nutrition, with a goal to help keep paws and boots on the ground in protecting our wildlife in this country.
Read more
https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/K9_Bloodhound_G.jpg 600 800 Peter Brooks https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/newlogo-212x300.jpg Peter Brooks2023-01-24 12:14:352023-01-25 10:08:16Making Contact

K9 National Project

February 15, 2022
The new K9 national project manages all canine related Honorary Ranger activity in our national parks.
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https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/FEATK9-2292.jpg 230 200 SANParks Honorary Rangers https://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/newlogo-212x300.jpg SANParks Honorary Rangers2022-02-15 11:27:092023-02-13 13:30:21K9 National Project

Episode 1 – Ghost Trail. ‘Amongst the brutal reality of conservation, caring companions are formed.’

Episode 2 – Life Line. ‘Anti-poaching K9 teams risk their lives on a daily basis. The dog’s heightened senses and boy language become invaluable to the handler. The risks are real and the outcome is unpredictable.’

Episode 3 – Together United. ‘The fight against poaching cannot be tackled individually. In order to achieve success, anti-poaching units need the help of the team.’

Episode 4 – S.E.A.M. Team. ‘An ongoing silent war within our tranquil oceans is taking place daily. As humans we tend to create a commodity out of our national heritage.’

Episode 5 – Disconnect Reconnect. ‘To connect with our natural environment is to learn from it, to respect it and to love it.’

A day in the life of a ranger’s dog. A glimpse into the daily life of a ranger and his dog.

When you donate to K9 Project Watchdog you are not only helping us look after the dogs and maintain the anti-poaching units, you are also helping to preserve South Africa’s precious wildlife. As an non-profit organisation we rely on donations to maintain and care for the K9 anti-poaching units.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your support and appreciate every donation.

Payment can be made once-off or as a debit order, via EFT or credit card.

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