How do you protect some of the world’s most endangered species? Build a unit of elite anti-poaching dogs, of course!
A pack of highly-trained malinois - a breed of Belgian Shepherds - have become the newest weapon against elephant and rhinoceros poachers at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
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These natural herders are famous for their energy, intelligence, and speed, making them the perfect breed for the job!
Check out these canines’ incredible talents with the help of Stephen, one of the rangers and attack decoys at Ol Pejeta:
Set over 90,000 acres, Ol Pejeta is one of East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuaries.
To help guard and protect all of the wild animals that live on the Conservancy, rangers created a canine unit that covers various roles including:
- Arms explosives detection dogs;
- Multi-discipline and triple role dogs;
- Assault dogs;
- Infantry patrol dogs;
- Tracker dogs.
As part of the creation of this team of anti-poaching dogs, the canine handlers were professionally trained in both kennel management and canine care, as well as specialist canine tactics to ensure they stop the poachers in their tracks.
And, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 40mph and an incredibly powerful jaw, it’s no wonder that they’re used to deter poachers!
The Conservancy is famous for being the home of the planet’s last male northern white rhino - a 45-year-old named Sudan - who sadly died as a result of poor health. Scientists are working hard to revive the species through IVF, with the hopes of implanting a viable embryo into the two remaining female northern white rhinos.
Be sure to follow the Conservancy’s canine unit and the journey of bringing the northern white rhino back from extinction on social media @olpejeta.
