“K9 Conservation was born from a dream and a necessity.”

As rhino poaching reached an all-time high, man turned to an ancient tool to assist in the fight against wildlife criminals- dogs.

Zingela- the cornerstone of K9 Conservation

Back in 2005 as a ranger working for Mthethomusha Game Reserve bordering on the Kruger National Park, Conraad de Rosner did intensive research on what dog breed would be the most suitable to assist him in the field. It needed to be a dog that was capable of assisting him with following the spoor of wounded or poached wildlife, but also had to be able to protect him against the dangerous human element. After careful consideration, Conraad decided to invest in a Weimaraner puppy.

The Weimaraner, bred centuries ago by aristocrats in the German province of Weimar, was not only a hunting dog for big game, but also a defense asset for its master.

Zingela proved his weight in gold, having defended Conraad on numerous occasions and landed several rhino poachers in jail through the use of his keen sense of smell. Suddenly, criminals could no longer hide evidence or make use of the night as their cover, as the canine was incorruptible and capable of tracking without a need for daylight. Dogs, although being but one tool in the Anti-Poaching Unit’s toolbox, proved to be of invaluable assistance.

Zingela’s progeny and proud legacy remains operational in the conservation field, including an endangered species research canine for WTC (Wildlife Conservation Trust of India) and a rhino- and pangolin monitoring dog based in Limpopo, currently owned by Canines for Africa.

Zingela paved the way for us as an canine anti-poaching company. Today, we make use of many dogs from several breeds in the fight against wildlife criminals, each with its own important function….

Dog Breeds used within K9 Conservation

Shepherds (Patrol)

Shepherds are used exclusively for tracking human suspects, detecting firearms and ammunition and performing the restraining function when detaining suspects requires force. Their functions also include roadblocks and vehicle searches.

Shepherds are trained to ignore all animal scents and focus only on human odor. Patrol dogs are trained in apprehension work and are capable of suspect apprehension, should the need arise. Note that these dogs are specially trained to bite or apprehend a suspect only upon command and to detain that suspect with minimal force.

With regards to self defense, our dogs are trained to protect their handlers during life-threatening situations when there is a real need for personal protection. As a result we are very strict in keeping both dogs and handlers disciplined while also remaining competent in this regard.

Finally, upon arrival at a crime scene, dog handlers will not allow anybody close to their dogs and will request all other people present to please allow them a wide berth, thus enabling a dog to focus totally on the job at hand.

Note that we, at all times, follow the prescribed professional dog handler training procedures and proof of its effectiveness is reflected in our K9 unit's success in the Greater Kruger and Kruger to Canyons region.

Weimaraner (Conservation)

Weimaraner are used mostly to track animals, detect animal remains and snares by scenting, to locate wounded animals and occasionally assist wildlife vets and or scientists with their work. This breed can also be used for anti-poaching patrols and suspect restraint.

Whilst both breeds are classed as 'patrol dogs', their functions differ somewhat and often their individual skills and abilities compliment and assist each other in the field. For this reason, and depending upon the situation, two field rangers - each with a different dog breed – are sometimes deployed together.

Unless on lay-by operations in a shady area or limited duration tracking and vehicle searches, dogs are not normally worked in the midday heat. One of the biggest advantages, of course, is that suspects can be successfully tracked at night. When two units work in tandem, the dog chosen to work the forward tracking position is determined by the given situation. At the rear, the other dog and handler act as backup; there to assist the front unit should a dangerous situation arise.

Hounds (Cold-Scent Tracking)

K9 Conservation makes use of various different breeds of hounds, including; Doberman x bloodhound for the double-purpose of Patrol and Tracking, as well as bloodhound- and foxhound crosses, for a very specific purpose: Long-line, cold-scent tracking.

Scent hounds are renowned for their exceptional scenting capabilities and speed, offering a whole new different level of success to conservation strategies. Canine units are now making use of their highly developed olfactory sense by utilizing these dogs to follow human scent trails older that six hours, referred to as "cold trails." This has significantly improved the follow-up movements on the suspects' attempted escape routes. Cold-scent trackers have essentially allowed us to efficiently close the time gaps and get a better understanding on the routes and modus operandi that the poachers use. As a result, we adapt our strategies accordingly, thus preventing future incursions.