K9 Unit Operations in Lower Zambezi, Zambia

In response to a surge in wildlife crime and trafficking from 2014-2016, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Conservation Lower Zambezi established specialized K9 and Rapid Response Units to help in law enforcement. Trained for both tracking and detection of illegal wildlife products including ivory, bushmeat, pangolin, rhino horn, rifles, ammunition and various pelts, the dogs conduct vehicle searches with their handlers at checkpoints eliminating channels of movement for illegal wildlife products. This year’s support provides equipment, rations, communication tools, and refresher trainings to the K9 Unit, and also oversee the successful integration of the two village dogs from the Village Dog Program into the unit.

IEF #AF1037

Project Years: 2019 – 2024

Project Partners:
Ian Stevenson, Conservation Lower Zambezi, Zambia