Paws for thought – Lewa’s Canine Unit

There are few that provide more unconditional companionship than a dog. For up to 40,000 years, dogs have been at our sides: livestock guardians, guides, protectors and – for many of us – members of the family.

For the teams protecting Africa’s remaining wild landscapes, the roles of dogs in anti-poaching efforts take multiple forms. The almost wolf-like Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are effective protection dogs, chasing and stalling criminals where safe and necessary. Sprightly Springer Spaniels are excellent search dogs, used to enthusiastically sniff out objects including ammunition and illegal products (including rhino horn), whilst Bloodhounds, with their super sensitive snozzles, are fantastic trackers, able to follow a scent over long distances.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has two tracker dogs: Ruby, a pure Bloodhound and Nasuju, a Bloodhound x Dobermann. Thanks to regular training and in turn, trusting relationships, Lewa’s canine handlers know their dogs’ personalities and attributes extremely well. Naturally, each dog has its optimum working environment, so the team works with the best dog for the task, whether that’s navigating the hectic noise of urban areas, or moving through the quiet bush. Indeed, the hot, dry climate of the Laikipia Plateau can be tough for pure Bloodhounds, which is why Lewa took the decision to acquire a Dobermann cross, which makes Nasuju much better suited to Kenya’s climate.

Using their impressive senses, the dogs can track a scent for miles. Using a scent marked on a small piece of material, the dogs lead their handlers along the trail of those they’re pursuing. When one dog gets tired, there is the opportunity for a “relay” to occur, whereby the second dog can take over the scent whilst the first takes a well-earned break.

With important rhino populations (and other endangered species) to protect, Lewa’s canine unit is a key part of the Conservancy’s anti-poaching strategy. Since 2019, no rhinos have been poached at Lewa, thanks in large part to the efforts of these two persistent pooches and their expert comrades.