Prosecution and canine detection units working in tandem

Photo of AWF-trained canine detection unit searching luggage at Entebbe International Airport
   

Uganda sits pretty as the pearl of Africa. It is beautiful, green, and fertile, and it is the region’s biggest producer of tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and avocados. The country’s serene protected areas and iconic wildlife species add to its beauty and attract both local and international tourists. Tourism is a major driver of the country’s economy and makes a significant contribution to its GDP.

Prosecuting wildlife criminals using sniffer dog evidence

Dogs have been part of our world since time immemorial, considered a best friend and companion. But canines are not only loyal, they are also highly intelligent and possess a dazzling sense of smell. These enviable qualities form the basis of African Wildlife Foundation’s Canines for Conservation Program.

A zero tolerance policy for wildlife crime

Photo of a lone elephant in semi-arid landscape in Samburu
  

As more countries recognize wildlife poaching and trafficking as serious crimes run by organized syndicates, they turn to the legal system to protect wildlife. Not only is legislation being strengthened across eastern Africa, but the capacity of law enforcement officers, investigators, and prosecutors is also strategically enhanced.

These dogs are taking on wildlife trafficking in Botswana

Photo of sniffer dog and handler team demonstrating ivory detection on vehicle
       

Up to 130,000 elephants roam the wild lands of Botswana – and that is not counting transient herds moving across country boundaries in the region. As a significant range state, Botswana was the only nation in southern Africa to support a total and permanent ban on the ivory trade at the 2016 CITES conference.

AWF donates a canine vehicle to KWS to enhance anti-poaching efforts

African Wildlife Foundation President Kaddu Sebunya shaking hands with Kenya Wildlife Service representative

The Kenya Wildlife Service dog unit has benefited from a Ksh 12.5 million customized canine van from the AWF.

The donation is within the framework of AWF’s long term collaborative relationship with KWS and specifically within the current agreement between the two institutions.

Looking Back on a Year of Conservation

river in forest

With 2017 upon us, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the triumphs and challenges of the year gone by. Below, three of AWF’s top conservationists share their thoughts on our biggest moments from 2016.

Canines Stop Wildlife Traffickers in Their Tracks

Sniffer Dogs

In July 2015, the first class of dogs graduated from the African Wildlife Foundation’s (AWF) unique anti-trafficking program, the Conservation Canine Programme. The eight graduates are currently stationed in airports and seaports in Kenya and Tanzania, working closely with the wildlife authorities to diligently detect wildlife products bound for international travel. The enthusiastic canines sniff their way throughout these highly trafficked venues, searching high and low for contraband wildlife products.