Locals boost anti-poaching efforts with all-terrain vehicle
A necessary addition has been made to the anti-poaching unit, enabling sniffer dogs to catch a ride on the back of the all-terrain vehicle, now also at nighttime.
In a generous act of support towards wildlife conservation, the Magalies Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers made a significant donation to the anti-poaching K9 Unit based at the Kingfisherspruit ranger section near the Orpen Gate in the Kruger National Park.
Louis Lemmer, chairperson of this Pretoria North branch, which has members all over Pretoria, told Rekord that it is empowering to know that as a group, they can make such a substantial difference in combatting poaching and wildlife crime.
“Almost 90% of the anti-poaching unit’s successes can be attributed to the sterling and sustainable role the antipoaching dogs and the K-9 Unit of the Kruger National Park play.”
He said this contribution is poised to bolster efforts to safeguard the park’s magnificent wildlife from the devastating effects of poaching.
The K9 Unit, known for its agility and efficiency in tackling poaching-related activities, has been at the forefront of conservation efforts within the park.
During a ceremony at the park, representatives of the Magalies Region handed over an all-terrain vehicle, and state-of-the-art dog kennels aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the K9 Unit. The total monetary value of the donation is approximately R800 000, which was raised through SHR Magalies Region’s activities such as The Kruger Trail, a K9 Golf Day, an auction, and private donors.
Lemmer said to them the successes of the unit also go hand in hand with using this new terrain vehicle that enables the dog to be with the handler covering more kilometres than they would be able to if they were walking the veld looking for signs of poachers.
“The vehicle has a seating space for the dog to the back where he can even catch a whiff of a poacher’s presence from the bike itself by sniffing the air and giving his handler a sign that they are going in the right direction,” explained Lemmer.
The donation couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment, as Kruger National Park intensifies its fight against poaching through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology.
Park officials have expressed profound gratitude toward the SANParks Honorary Rangers for their unwavering support and commitment to conserving South Africa’s natural heritage.
“The strengthening of our K9 Unit’s capabilities ensures faster response times and more successful arrests, thereby serving as a strong deterrent against poachers. We are incredibly thankful to the Magalies Region for their generosity and encouragement,” said section ranger Greg Bond.
The partnership between the Kingfisherspruit section and the Magalies Honorary Rangers exemplifies a shared vision and unity in combatting wildlife crime, setting a positive precedent for collaborative conservation efforts.
Sam Madalane, the K9 anti-poaching unit manager at the Kruger National Park, told Rekord the vehicle is especially helpful as it enables them to go out at night or early in the morning with an anti-poaching dog.
“It enables us to do things we weren’t able to do before. It really is a boost to the unit,” said Madalane.
He emphasised that the unit is ready for the challenges of the festive season when there is usually an upswing in wildlife crimes like snaring.
“At present we have more than 80 dogs in the unit. We lost one last month in a tragic incident and a few dogs have been put on pension and retired, but the unit is as strong as ever.”
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