K9 Sniffer Dogs Play Key Role in Protecting Assam’s Rhinos

Guwahati: Specially trained K9 sniffer dogs have become an important part of Assam’s efforts to protect the endangered one-horned rhinoceros from poaching. Operated by conservation organisation Aaranyak in coordination with the Assam Forest Department and Assam Police, the Belgian Malinois dog squad assists in tracking poachers, recovering evidence and supporting wildlife crime investigations.

The K9 unit, which began with a single dog in 2011, now has ten trained dogs deployed across protected areas including Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, Pobitora and Burhachapori. According to Aaranyak, the teams have helped solve over 150 wildlife crime cases and contributed to a significant decline in rhino poaching, with several protected areas remaining poaching-free for years.