David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

In a first of its kind, DSWF is funding a new Dog Squad Unit in Assam , India. Aimed at improving post-poaching investigations and strengthening the work of the Wildlife Crime Monitoring Programme that DSWF has supported since 1994, the unit has started with one well trained dog and a handler and will focus on tracking down criminals. Belgian Malinois , trained in detection and tracking work, have been chosen for the job and the first, Jorba , is now working in Kaziranga .

The breed is capable of picking up a scent, tracking, outrunning and bringing down a suspect and has also shown exemplary performance in sniffing out explosives and drugs. The dog will be used to unearth clues at poaching scenes and lead the enforcement agencies to the suspect’s hideout where wildlife products can be recovered and culprits arrested.

One-year-old Jorba has been trained to track and detect wildlife products such as tiger and leopard skin and bones, bear bile, ivory and rhino horn. If Jorba proves successful - and subject to funding - another dog and handler will be appointed.

“We hope that the dog will contribute hugely towards controlling wildlife crime, sending a strong message to poachers and smugglers that we have increased our efforts to track them down,” says Bibhab Talukdar , Director of Assamese NGO, Aaranyak .

DSWF is working to stop poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife across Assam's borders while protecting one of the most important wildlife habitats in the world. Kaziranga is the last stronghold of Indian one-horned rhinos and one of India's most important tiger habitats. The newly formed Dog Squad Unit will continue to strengthen anti-poaching activities in this hugely important area.

You can support Jorba and the Dog Squad Unit for as little as £10 a month to cover his upkeep and training. Click the donate button today.