Pangolins are critically endangered and the world’s most trafficked mammal. On the frontline of the battle against poaching is the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG).
The star of the team is Havoc, an anti-poaching working dog in their K9 unit and also Africa’s first pangolin-detection dog trained to detect both the feces and scales of all four pangolin species. ‘We have one fully trained Belgian Malinois pangolin-detection dog, trained on the scent of all four African pangolin species and employed a full-time handler in the position of the K9 pangolin counter-poaching unit,’ APWG says on their site.
‘This team is able to be deployed nationwide when required. We are in the process of training a second dog to add to this team.’
Havoc has undergone extensive training and is often used to locate pangolins being smuggled in luggage at airports.
Good boy! Havoc the sniffer dog can find trafficked pangolins & their scales in luggage. @USAID works to reduce demand, strengthen law enforcement, & disrupt trafficking routes! #WorldPangolinDay #PangolinsDontFly @ROUTESPartners @flysaa @PangolinWorking @united4wildlife pic.twitter.com/F2AIkOgyXL
— USAIDEnvironment (@USAIDEnviro) February 15, 2020
I had the amazing opportunity to meet Havoc and his handler/mommy today on #WorldPangolinDay! He is the most lovable, beautiful dog! Thank you Havoc for all you do for our precious #Pangolins! pic.twitter.com/YkyoWLU05x
— Sabine Anderson (@HelpourRhino) February 15, 2020
When ‘Havoc’ the world’s first counter poaching dog trained to detect and protect pangolins was introduced to this amazing animal. #WorldPangolinDay @PangolinWorking @angelababyct pic.twitter.com/Tm0dPSeZV9
— Ichikowitzfoundation (@Ichikowitz) February 15, 2020
‘We actively engage in public awareness, pangolin rescue and rehabilitation, training of law enforcement personnel, and engagement with governments and non-governmental organisations across Africa, in addition to research,’ says APWG.
‘Our people are all passionate about pangolins. Whether they are researcher, hands-on wildlife experts or experienced rehabilitators, they are all dedicated to the struggle to stop a species extinction.’
To learn more, get involved or donate towards Havoc and his incredible team, click here.
Image credit: Twitter/Ichikowitz
