Summary of the last 36 months of impact:
The past 36 months have been a testament to the tireless efforts and unwavering dedication of the Project Rhino K9 Unit. Our team has made significant strides in combating wildlife crime, supporting law enforcement, and promoting conservation awareness. This report highlights our key achievements, including the removal of 3374 snares, response to 269 emergency call-outs, and apprehension of 50 criminals. Our collaboration with the Zululand Anti-Poaching Airwing has also yielded remarkable results, with 1463.5 hours of flight time contributing to the detection of poached rhinos, wounded animals, and illegal activities. Through our collective efforts, we have reached 43,938 learners with the conservation message, inspiring a new generation of wildlife stewards.
In summary the K9 unit has:
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Removed 3374 snares on patrol,
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responded to 269 emergency callouts,
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made 50 apprehensions of criminals,
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supported in arresting 21 illegal immigrants,
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retrieved 6 illegal firearms,
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retrieved fourteen .375 rounds of ammunition,
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retrieved 4 knives and one carpenter saw,
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recovered stolen goods from 28 incidences,
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recovered 9 high jacked vehicles,
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responded to 10-armed robbery / burglary cases,
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dealt with 1 abduction case and successfully found the missing person,
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retrieved 6 poached rhino horn from 4 vehicles,
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retrieved narcotics from 6 separate incidences where arrests were made (+/- 6kgs narcotics, 2x truckloads of counterfeit goods worth R15million as well as the seizure of R15 million rands worth of Colombian cocaine and illegal cigarettes).
During this same 36-month period the Zululand Anti-Poaching Airwing has flown a total of 1463.5 hours. During which:
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16 Poached rhinos were found,
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2 wounded rhinos were detected and successfully treated,
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4 calves from poached females were located and successfully moved to a rhino orphanage.
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14 poisoned vultures were found,
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over 25 illegal gill nests from illegal fishermen were detected,
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Our Zapwing also tracked and returned 2 elephant bulls that had escaped from a member reserve and were causing havoc in the local communities.
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responded to numerous callouts where dog poachers were found illegally in member reserves.
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Zapwing has been instrumental in finding rhinos during dehorning and collaring projects reducing the helicopter time required.
43 938 learners were reached with the conservation message over the last 36 months.