Communities surrounding Kasungu National Park have expressed their commitment in collaborating with Park officials towards the find against wildlife crime.

The community members led by Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu District made the assurance during a demonstration of how well-trained wildlife detective dogs assist in the trafficking of wildlife products.

Speaking during the demonstration, Senior Chief Lukwa attributed that good working relationship between the Park and villagers is a significant step in ending wildlife related crimes.

“This event to us as traditional leaders is a very good juncture because it’s the first time to see the dogs investigating and we have learnt a lot how the dogs can trace these protected animals and wildlife products.

“As traditional leaders we are doing a lot of things in conjunction with Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and we are ready to continue embracing all what is needed to conserve and protect nature,” said Lukwa.

On his part, Head of Environmental Education and Extension in Kasungu National Park Matias Kachepa Elisa said the coming of dogs will boost their efforts when carrying out patrols.

“The coming of the dogs is very important to us as park managers because there are going to fill in gaps whereby we will be doing our operations, the dogs will be able to sniff and even reveal the wildlife products that are to be trafficked,” said Elisa.

Since its introduction in 2018, the Wildlife Detection Dog Unit (WDDU) which was set up as a partnership between the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the DNPW supported by Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT), the Unit has played a significant role in multiple wildlife related arrests and cases brought before the country`s courts.