The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HIP) K-9 unit has proved to be an “extremely effective tool” in combating poaching of the park’s rhino population.
The Isibindi Foundation has stepped in to support this initiative through fundraising. Manager, Luke Martin, points out: “We are witnessing the wholesale slaughter of these magnificent creatures, threatening to wipe them off the planet forever. We cannot be the generation that loses the rhino.
“We had to do something to support those on the frontlines of the battle and are thrilled to be involved in an initiative, together with the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and other partners in the area.”
The unit currently consists of two tracking dogs named Gecko and Ghost, who are a cross between Bloodhound and Doberman, alongside their handlers.
Martin said the pair had been ‘on the job’ day and night protecting the rhino and had already successfully tracked down a number of poachers, catching them before they were able to poach. “Impressively, they are able to track a scent from up to eight hours after it has been placed in a particular area.
“The project is excellent, but it’s expensive to run and requires substantial funding on an ongoing basis,” Martin said. “The approximate cost of a trained dog and handler, combined, is R129 000.”The Isibindi Foundation – alongside Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge – hopes to add three more dogs and handlers to the K-9 unit and build up sufficient funding to ensure the unit’s long-term sustainability.
The Foundation will be working together with Wildlife ACT – a partner of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife – Fund Trust in ensuring the funds are implemented effectively and for their intended purpose.
Did you know?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, established in 1895, is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa, famously known for saving the Southern White rhino, thanks to key conservationists Dr Ian Player, Magqubu Ntombela and Nick Steele, who started Operation Rhino in the 1950s.
Click HERE to watch a short video showcasing the HIP K-9 unit.
