A dog unit consisting of 10 dogs and their handlers after completing a year’s training along with other staff in Bandipur on December 1. Photo credit: Special arrangement
Karnataka’s tiger reserves have acquired new ‘teeth’ – ones that not only bite, but also detect, track and warn.
A total of 10 dogs have been added to the canine team to add teeth to the fight against wildlife crime. They underwent intensive training at Bandipur Tiger Reserve for one year. Now, after the rigorous training that ended on December 1, the canines are ready to be deployed in five tiger reserves in the state.
Two will be deployed in each reserve and will complement the forest department’s field staff in combing, detecting potential threats and guiding them to suspects.
S. Prabhakaran, director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, said a year-long journey of training and transformation has prepared this new batch of canine units to join wildlife conservation efforts in the Karnataka Tiger Reserve.
He said at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve training centre, 10 dogs and their handlers underwent an intensive regimen to make the young canines reliable partners for forest staff on the ground. From tracking scents to responding to challenging terrain conditions, the dogs have been trained to help detect wildlife crimes such as poaching and illegal trade.
Each team — consisting of one dog and one handler — went through a structured program conducted by dog behaviorist Amrut S. Hiranya with support from the forest department, Mr. Prabhakaran said.
Their role will be key in strengthening vigilance and supporting conservation activities in the sensitive forest landscape. ”The trained canine units have now returned to their reserves, ready to contribute to the conservation of Karnataka’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. This achievement is a testament to the Karnataka government’s commitment to innovative and effective conservation strategies,” he added.
Certificates were handed out on December 1 for completion of training and it was a similar “graduation day” not only for the handlers but also for the canines. Among those present were Mr. Prabhakaran, Naveen Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, M. Mallesh, Director of Forests, Sriramulu, Forest Officer and Bandipur Forest Department staff.
Published – 01 Dec 2025 20:34 IST
