Since 2011 an elite K9 sniffer dog unit run by Aaranyak has assisted Assam Forest Department officials in investigations in more than 100 cases of wildlife crime.
The sniffer dog unit consists of eight Belgian Malinois dogs, of which two are under training. The unit was launched in August 2011 by Aaranyak, one of the country’s leading biodiversity conservation non-profit organisations, to assist authorities involved in protection of Assam’s wildlife heritage.
The choice of the Belgian Malinois breed was influenced by their remarkable prey sniffing capability.
“As soon as they pick up a scent and embark on tracking, they can outrun and capture the suspect, which they can defeat if the suspect tries to elude them. Our K9 squad members have assisted forest officials in tracing the poachers’ exit routes after rhino poaching incidents,” said Aaranyak founder Bibhab Kumar Talukdar.
Talukdar, who initiated the K9 sniffer dog programme of Aaranyak, added, “It ultimately results in the arrest of perpetrators by police and forest officials. Belgian Malinois are world-class sniffer dogs who create an unbreakable bond with their owners.
Patrolling duties are conducted by this elite K9 sniffer dog squad along with frontline forest staff as directed by the management of rhino bearing areas in Assam to assist in vigils and prevent intrusion of culprits.
The dog squad is supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, NABU International Foundation and People for Nature and Peace and managed by the legal and advocacy division of Aaranyak.
