K9 Tango anti-poaching unit
South Africa is home to the world’s largest populations of rhinos and a variety of other endangered species, and the Greater Kruger Area faces significant poaching threats. Unfortunately, many animals are at risk in their natural habitats, targeted for their horns, tusks, scales, or skin, which fetch high prices on the International black market. Rhino horn, elephant ivory, and pangolin scales are especially in demand, used as status symbols or in traditional medicine. The Thornybush Nature Reserve serves as a critical buffer zone for the wilderness area of Kruger National Park to our east, and there are no fences between these two areas, meaning that animals can roam freely across this region. The goal is to keep these boundaries protected and secure, a challenging task that the K9 unit faces steadfastly around the clock.
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Why does Thornybush Nature Reserve use a K9 unit?​​
The K9 unit is effective in combating poaching for several reasons. Firstly, these dogs are specially trained to track poachers over impressive distances and can detect firearms, ammunition, and wildlife products. Their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities make them incredibly successful in locating and apprehending poachers who may have illegally entered the reserve.
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The dogs’ abilities are truly remarkable. For instance, some breeds can follow a poacher’s scent for up to 12 to 13 hours and cover 20 to 30 kilometres across various terrains, including thick bushlands and grasslands. Their presence increases the success rate of detecting and arresting poachers, often leading to a dramatic reduction in poaching incidents. Their presence alone is often enough of a deterrence for would-be poachers.
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​The tracking specialists are assisted in their anti-poaching efforts by the unit’s detection and apprehension dogs. These dogs perform vehicle searches at the Thornybush Nature Reserve entrance/exit gate, where they can sniff out weapons, ammunition, ivory, rhino horn, and live animals, like pangolins.
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The K9-unit dogs operate at the level of top athletes, requiring optimal nutrition and regular veterinary care, and keeping these specialised animals comfortable, safe, and secure is a top priority for the Reserve. Both the dogs and their handlers receive intense specialist training, and since poachers constantly change their tactics, they also undergo continual re-training to ensure each team stays at the top of their game.
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Why do I want to support the Tango K9 unit in Thornybush Nature Reserve?
Tango K9 is a non-profit conservation organisation that need funds in order to operate properly and to be able to take charge in the ongoing poaching crisis. I witnessed their dedication and professional way of operating first hand and would love to support the conservation efforts. With offering 5% of total profit of the wildlife prints, digital files and phone wallpapers I hope to contribute to their dedication to save and protect the endangered species in Thornybush Nature Reserve.
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