Well, hello there. I hope you are superbly well and have had another lovely weekend. Here in the Luangwa a mix of great game viewing and frantic back of house as Bertram and Daudi race to complete camp building ahead of reopening of Tena Tena and Nsefu for the season. This week though, we are hearing from one of our key conservation partners in South Luangwa – Conservation South Luangwa. Rebecca over to you:
Sydney Njobvu and Gene © Edward Selfe
“It’s incredible to think that a whole decade has passed since Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) took steps to strengthen law enforcements response to the illegal wildlife trade by forming Zambia’s first conservation K9 Unit.
In recent years, dogs have increasingly become essential in forensic, detection and law enforcement activities. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell which means they can sniff out hard-to-find wildlife contraband, such as ivory, bushmeat, animal skins, firearms and ammunition.
Mike Njobvu and Earl © Edward Selfe
Back in 2014, CSL recognised this potential and teamed up with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (formerly known as the Zambia Wildlife Authority) to select and train five K9 handlers and import two working dogs from Working Dogs for Conservation in the USA.
Fast forward to today, and our K9 Unit has become one of our strongest assets in the fight against wildlife crime. Our K9 Unit now consists of nine handlers and five working dogs.
Through vehicle searches, property searches and targeted operations in conjunction with our aerial and ground patrol units, our K9 Unit makes major seizures and arrests each year. For example, earlier this year, three individuals apprehended in December 2023 for illegally trafficking ivory and bushmeat, were each sentenced to six years in prison – a remarkable achievement by our hardworking K9 team.
Sydney Njobvu and Gene © Marcus Westberg
Recently, we caught up with Janet Sakala, one of our dedicated K9 handlers who joined our K9 Unit in 2017. Janet shared that her passion for dogs and wildlife conservation encouraged her to join the team. She highlighted how dogs play an important role in improving the efficiency of their work. However, one of the main challenges they face is that some people don’t understand their work which can sometimes lead to confrontations. Despite this, Janet and other handlers persist in engaging with communities about their role in fighting wildlife crime. Janet also said that their presence is often an effective deterrent to traffickers.
Janet Sakala and Earl © Marcus Westberg
To celebrate our special milestone, we have launched a new K9 sponsorship programme. By sponsoring a working dog, you will help intercept trafficked wildlife products before they reach the black market, and contribute to the dogs’ training, veterinary care, and overall wellbeing.
Ody © Mjose Jozie
In addition, renowned wildlife artists are donating a percentage of their artwork sales throughout May and June to support our K9 Unit’s 10th anniversary.
‘Head on’, oil on canvas, £3,000 with 50% (£1,500) supporting the K9 Unit © Emma Swift
We’re also hosting an online photo competition! Share photos of your dog in action for a chance to win a pet portrait by an award-winning artist. Visit our photo competition webpage for details.
© Becca Barron
We look forward to seeing how our K9 team grows and develops, ensuring its vital role in safeguarding wildlife and habitats in South Luangwa for many years to come. We hope you will join us on this journey.”
Thank you so much Rebecca for sharing with us insights to the incredible work you are doing with the K9 units.
With that, I shall leave you for this week to enjoy the rest of your day. May you have an enjoyable time, till next Monday. Don’t forget to look after one another!
