We think of “sniffer dogs” as the animals used by policemen to sniff out explosives or drugs. However, since 2008 thirteen different German Shepherds have been involved in one hundred (100) cases, identifying animal body parts, and in this way helping to stop tiger poaching.

Wildlife Crimes

India plays a significant role in the worldwide network of illegal wildlife trade, particularly as a source of tiger bones and body parts and rhino horns. According to Interpol, worldwide illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth about $20 billion (Rs1.27 lakh crore).

Within the country itself, the network for wildlife crime has become increasingly sophisticated, particularly in states such as Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, resulting in a massive threat to the country’s native species.

India’s tigers are particularly at high risk from poaching because their bones are often used in traditional Chinese medicine and their skins command high prices in international markets.

In 2013, the number of tigers killed reached its highest level in seven years, with 39 recorded deaths.

However, the total recorded wildlife crimes in the country declined by about 14% between 2010 and 2012.

And with its growing canine army at hand, the government is looking at bringing that number down even further.

It is through organizations like the World Wild Life Fund (WWF) and the wild-life trade monitoring network (TRAFFIC) that this and other programs have been started. They sincerely hope to train more dogs in the future to stop this unprincipled misconduct.

To sum up, poaching is a serious crime and business in India. If these brave dogs can help stop it altogether then we openly salute them!

To read more on this topic go to Quarts India.