Canines for Conservation — Amazing Dogs!
Africa possesses a secret weapon in the war against wildlife trafficking, which I discovered in my research for an exciting new series set in Kenya. Canines for Conservation stop traffickers before they can export illegal products, thereby preventing poachers from profiting off their murderous rampage. These incredible dogs fight the good fight every day.
As poaching rates continue to rise, Canine Detection Units are helping authorities sniff out illegal wildlife products. I’ve written about a dog’s unrivaled smelling abilities before, but never in this context.
Wildlife trafficking is a deplorable way to earn a living. Unfortunately, it’s also a 19 billion-dollar industry. If we don’t do something to stop it, Africa’s iconic animals are at risk for extinction. Some species are barely hanging on. The demand for ivory kills 8% of our elephant population every year. The world’s most trafficked animal is the pangolin, whose scales and meat are smuggled by the truckloads.
Rhino horns sell for a staggering $60,000. per pound, and mostly to Asian markets. In the world today, only about 5,000 black rhinos roam the earth. The western black rhinos are already extinct. Earlier this year, devastating news went viral: Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, age 45, died at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on March19th. Only a handful of females remain. Conservationists are now implanting fertilized embryos for repopulation, but it isn’t an easy venture.
Canines for Conservation
Canines for Conservation is an African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) program that combats wildlife trafficking by deploying detection dogs and their handlers to airports, seaports, and other key smuggling checkpoints throughout the continent of Africa. These incredible dogs can detect even the slightest whiff of wildlife contraband, like ivory that’s already been carved into jewelry or merely the dust from an elephant tusk or rhino horn.
“The use of sniffer dogs will help to crack down on the poaching of elephants and other wildlife species,” said Faustin Masalu, Tanzania Wildlife Division’s head of anti-poaching. “Illegal traffickers will not be safe at any point, particularly at checkpoints.”
In July 2015, the first class of dogs graduated from the African Wildlife Foundation’s Canines for Conservation Program, a unique anti-trafficking program funded by the Department of State, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), and AWF. The eight dogs are stationed in Kenya and Tanzania, working closely with wildlife authorities to detect wildlife contraband bound for international travel.
These amazing animals are rock stars — with a 90% accuracy rate!
By the end of May 2016, the Canine Detection Unit at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) located 27 finds, which represents
half the finds at JKIA in the last seven years. On March 30, 2016, the Canine Detection Unit intercepted 18 pieces of raw ivory in transit from Maputo to Bangkok, concealed in gunny bags, wrapped in nylon, and put into buckets — worth a staggering $63,136. In June of that year, the Kenya Wildlife Society intercepted 500 kilograms of pangolin scales at JKIA. I converted kilograms to pounds, and was stunned to learn 500 kilograms equaled 1102.31 pounds! A similar amount was intercepted at the same airport the following March.
On August 15, 2016, four dogs graduated from the second class of Canines for Conservation and Uganda joined Kenya and Tanzania in their efforts to curb wildlife crime. In particular, ivory trafficking through its borders. The dogs were deployed to Entebbe Airport, which smugglers have been utilizing, disguising ivory and other wildlife contraband without being detected … until the Canine Detection Unit arrived.
“In the last five years, Uganda has experienced increased trafficking of wildlife products through its boundaries and unfortunately the enforcement units were not able to detect most of the contrabands in transit,” said Dr. Andrew Seguya the Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). “This move by Uganda to deploy these highly trained canine dogs is a significant milestone in Uganda’s effort to curtail illegal wildlife trafficking.”
All breeds are welcome to join the initiative. The dogs begin training with small pieces of a Kong (dog toy), which serves as a “neutral” odor. Once comfortable with identifying the Kong, dogs are then introduced to ivory pieces. Positive reinforcement remains at the core of the program’s philosophy, with all training and handling done with the dog’s physical and mental health in mind. While in training, the dogs are scored on their friendliness and playfulness — ideal traits for sniffer dogs. After graduation, they’re paired with rangers from a wildlife agency, like Kenya Wildlife Service.
To date, Canine Detection Units are working across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique. With a streamlined prosecutorial process, each contraband find means fewer wildlife products reach the market. The cherry on the proverbial cake is that more smugglers and poachers are locked out of the illegal wildlife trade.
Canines for Conservation do even more to help protect wildlife.
Some of the more pressing conservation issues facing wildlife occurs over a vast geographical range. Scat Detection Dogs locate, 
well, scat. The lab then has the ability to analyze a wide variety of genetic, physiological, toxicological, and dietary indicators, enabling conservationists to ascertain species abundance, distribution, resource use, and physiological health. These determining factors gage environmental pressures on the species.
The truly amazing thing is, Scat Detection Dogs simultaneously locate samples from multiple species across almost-endless landscapes and remote areas, with amazing accuracy. Sampling with detection dogs is also far less biased than traditional wildlife detection methods, such as remote cameras, radio collars, hair snags, and trap-and-release. No other method can acquire such a detailed amount of reliable information in a short period of time.
The good people at Conservation Canines, Center for Conservation Biology, seek out dogs who are considered alleged “failures” as pets and turned over to shelters or even placed on doggy death row. With patience and training, they unmask their secret powers of scent detection. Endless energy and ball obsession turns unwanted dogs into conservation super heroes who help protect species that are running out of viable options.
The initiative began in 1997 when Dr. Samuel Wasser, the Center’s Director, teamed up with a police dog trainer to teach Narcotics Detection Dogs how to detect scat from endangered species. Since then, the team has used dogs to monitor the presence of a wide range of wild terrestrial, aerial, and aquatic animals. To a Scat Detection Dog, their focus is finely tuned for the chance to play fetch. They may not realize the wonderful work they’re doing, but their handlers certainly do. Check out this list of wildlife they’re able to detect and distinguish.
Amazing dogs indeed.
Not all Conservation Canines leave the U.S. An article in 1889 Washington’s Magazine focuses on one dog in particular, Chester, a 14-year-old golden retriever mix. His story illustrates all the super conservation work Chester and others like him do every day.
On a personal note, Bob and I have had a whirlwind of a summer. We’re in the process of buying the house we’ve been living in for the past 6 1/2 years, and all the headaches that go hand-in-hand with mortgages, insurance, taxes, etc. The paperwork alone is enough to make even the most patient writer snap, never mind one who knows how to dispose of corpse without detection. Kidding … sort of. This post, for example, took me two full days with all the interruptions. The good news is, the end is near. Once we close next week (if everything goes according to plan), it’ll be time to celebrate! clink-clink
I’ve also squeezed in numerous book signings. Mingling with fans is a blast. Appearing at the same venues year after year is both humbling and surprising. Honestly, I’m continually shocked that people take the time to come see me. I’m also grateful. Honored, really.
To my fellow writers: if you’ve ever questioned why you spend countless hours behind a computer screen, spilling your emotions, struggling to find that perfect word, rewriting a paragraph, chapter, or page one more time, then I urge you to take a moment to meet the folks you’re writing for. (yes, I ended that sentence with a proposition; to hell with proper grammar today!) I can’t promise you success with your first few signings, but it does happen. It just takes time. Trust me when I tell you, nothing quite compares to the feeling of a full house or selling out before the end of an event. It’s awesome! Hence why I spend a large part of the spring, summer, and early fall away from my desk. Once the temperatures drop and dying leaves lose their grip on tree branches, I crawl back into my writer’s cave where it’s warm.
If you find yourself in the New Hampshire area, I’d love to meet you in person. Here’s where I’ll be next …
Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Annie’s Book Stop, 1330 Union Street, Laconia, NH.
Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Look for the crime scene tape at Bristol Old Home Days, Kelley Park, Bristol, NH.
Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6 p.m. — Lincoln Public Library, 22 Church Street, Lincoln, NH.
If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!
Sue Coletta
Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs on the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers"), Writers Helping Writers, and StoryEmpire. Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series (books 1-3) and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, Mayhem Series (books 4-9 and continuing). Sue's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her murder of crows, who live free but come when called by name. And nature feeds her soul.
24 Comments
Gigi Sedlmayer
An amazing story and very inspirational.
I am the author of the Talon series, set in the Andean of South America. My books deal with poachers steeling the eggs of the mighty condors. but not only that, it is an adventure by itself, with a handicapped girl. But mostly about preserving the mighty condors.
Sue Coletta
Please excuse my late reply, Gigi. Life keeps getting in the way. Don’t you hate when that happens? I’ve seen your Talon series “around,” and wondered about it. Sounds fabulous. Condors are such majestic birds.
Roberta Eaton
The traffic in wild animals is a terrible tragedy, Sue. Thanks for this post.
Sue Coletta
It really is, Roberta. Breaks my heart.
Adele Marie Park
An amazing story and so inspirational, I wish more people realised how hard Africa works to conserve the wildlife. xxx
Sue Coletta
Thank you! I do too, Adele. The conservation work that goes on in Africa benefits the entire world. They have my utmost respect. <3
Staci Troilo
Fascinating stuff. And tragic such amazing animals are necessary.
Wishing you all the best with your signings.
Sue Coletta
Thanks, Staci! Love your new profile pic, btw. 🙂
CS Boyack
Wonderful post. I still have my African adventure outline, but it will be set in a era when a bit of hunting wasn’t frowned upon. That’s the sole reason I may never write it. Too many strange emotions about that today. Glad you’re enjoying your book signings. I don’t think I could draw a big enough crowd to pull that off.
Sue Coletta
Sure you could, Craig! I love your books. It just takes time to get your name out there, is all.
Brenda Watterson
So sad but an interesting read. Thank you for sharing this Sue. I love how you connect with your readers by sharing pieces of your heart. Well done!
Sue Coletta
Thank you, Belinda! Sharing pieces of my heart has spilled over from my fiction into my blog. 😉
Garry Rodgers
Great article on an extremely important issue, Sue. I’m really looking forward to seeing your African project – the research time must be fascinating. Sure be nice if you & Bob could do it in person 🙂
Also, it’s a really nice touch how you mix what’s happening with your business and personal life into your posts. That touch goes a long way with the big following you’ve developed. And earned. Enjoy your day at Annies!
Sue Coletta
Thanks, Garry! Annie’s was so much fun. I love chatting with my readers. Their enthusiasm and support blows me away.
The research for the Africa project is fascinating, heartwarming, and devastating, all rolled into one. My love for animals keeps getting in the way of my digging further into poachers’ truly vile activities. Hence why this project may take me longer than usual. I keep telling myself it’ll get easier, but I doubt it ever will. My passion toward wildlife’s safety as well their right to a peaceful existence is simply too strong, but perhaps, that’s the magic bullet that will make the story work. Time will tell.
We would love to fly out to see you & Rita! All I need to do is shoot Bob with a tranquilizer dart to get him on the plane. 😉
patriciaruthsusan
I’m so glad there has been a successful plan to cut down on poaching before the animals go extinct. Using those dogs was a wonderful idea. I wish them continued success until poaching goes extinct instead of the animals. —- Suzanne
Sue Coletta
When poaching is abolished, it’ll be a great day! Thanks, Suzanne. xo
Doug & Bev Keil
Sue, my wife and I read your posts like they are gifts left at the door, but this one on the narco dogs is especially meaningful. We rescue animals here in Tahoe and write about their adventures. We are on our sixth home, I wish I could tell you the process gets easier, it doesn’t. Only costlier if you wait. Best, Doug Keil
Sue Coletta
Awww, your comment made my day, Doug. Thank you! How wonderful that you rescue animals. Care to share a link to your blog or books? I’d love to read about their adventures.
Oy. Home buying, I hear ya. Especially since we’re not pups anymore. It’s a grueling process, but hopefully this is our last time. 🙂
Doug & Bev
We are about the worst publicists going for being writers, so no blog. I do a few local book clubs for my books and Bev donates her proceeds to our local no-kill shelter PetNetWork, so it’s whatever Amazon decides to do and who comes by to adopt a pet. I know, poor marketing strategy.
Anyway, we’ll be happy to send you Diary of a Dumpster Pup if you e-mail your mailing address. Best, Doug
Sue Coletta
What a sweet offer. Thank you!
As for marketing … Oy. I hear ya. It’d be so nice if writers could simply write and the books would fly off the shelves. 🙂
Terri Swann
Great read, Sue.
Sadly, because these dogs are so good at what they do, it won’t be long before they have a bounty on their heads if not already. Currently, the Columbians are offering $70,000 to anyone who kills a narco dog who has put a crimp in their business.
Am I the only one who has ever wondered how lovely it would be to see elephants and rhinos with bright pink tusks and horns (all natural dye of course)? Seems like it could cut down on poaching, if only by a small percentage.
Sue Coletta
Thanks, Terri. OMG! I hadn’t heard about the bounty on narco dogs. Shame on them.
I wouldn’t care if rhinos sported a rainbow horn as long as they didn’t have half their face cut off by a scumbag poacher. There’s a group who’s injecting rhino horns with poison (that doesn’t harm the animal) which renders it useless on the black market. The result is a pink horn. Adorable! Also, the poison kills the Asian men who think rhino horn will cure their erectile disfunction. Why, I have no idea. It’s keratin, the same type of protein that makes up hair and fingernails.
I haven’t heard of a similar project for elephants, but I bet they’d look equally adorable. Who knows? It may even promote breeding, if the ladies find it attractive. LOL I understand conservationists yearn to let these majestic animals look as God intended, but if a pink tusk or horn can save their lives, I’m all for it.
Margot Kinberg
Oh, I sure wish I could meet you in person, Sue! I hope your events go well. As far as these exceptional dogs go, it’s absolutely amazing. I agree with you about making a living poaching. It’s horrible and I’m glad that something’s being done – especially something that seems so successful.
Sue Coletta
I would love to meet you in person, Margot! One of these winters Bob and I plan to fly out to see my brother-in-law and, of course, hit the San Diego Zoo. I’ll let you know when it’s on the schedule. Maybe we can do lunch. 🙂