A tracker dog named Duke successfully aided SANParks rangers and Airwing teams in finding and apprehending three poachers in the Kruger National Park on Tuesday 23 July.
Upon being discovered in their hideout, the poachers fired shots at the teams and Duke became disorientated. He fled the scene, losing his harness and satellite collar in the process.
Duke was missing for one day, when Ranger Corps tracked him down they found him unharmed.
According to Big On Wild, SANParks’ Duke is a Doberman-hound cross known for his excellent ability to follow animal spoor for long distances across treacherous terrain.
Ike Phaahla, a SANParks spokesperson, said in a statement, ‘these magnificent animals are valuable and have become a big game-changer in the anti-poaching campaign. They are part of the Rangers Corps family and contribute to the success rate of arrests in the anti-poaching campaign.’
Glenn Phillips, the KNP Managing Executive, expressed his appreciation of the hard work that was done by the Rangers Corps, Airwing and K9 Units, saying, ‘We are proud of your achievements in the recent past, we salute your commitment and bravery to this campaign.
‘We are happy that [Duke] was found unharmed even though he was dehydrated and drained.’
The poachers were arrested and found in illegal possession of a high-calibre hunting rifle, ammunition, and poaching equipment.
Image: Twitter @SANParksKNP
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