The canine squad comprising 10 dogs and their handlers, after completion of a year of training, along with other staff at Bandipur on December 1.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Tiger reserves in Karnataka have acquired new ‘’teeth” — one that that don’t just bite but detect, track, and alert.
In all, 10 dogs were inducted into the canine squad to add teeth in the fight against wildlife crime. They were subjected to intensive training at Bandipur Tiger Reserve for a year. Now, after the arduous training which ended on December 1, the canines are ready for deployment across five tiger reserves in the State.
Two will be deployed in each reserve and compliment the field staff of the Forest Department in combing, sniffing out potential threats, and leading them to suspects.
S. Prabhakaran, director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, said that the year-long journey of training and transformation has prepared this new group of canine squads, who will join wildlife protection efforts in Karnataka’s tiger reserves.
He said that at the Bandipur Tiger Reserve training centre, 10 dogs and their handlers completed an intensive regimen designed to turn the young canines into reliable partners for forest staff on the ground. From tracking scents to responding to challenging field conditions, the dogs have been trained to assist in detecting wildlife crimes such as poaching and illegal trade.
Each team — comprising one dog and one handler — went through a structured programme led by canine behaviour expert Amrut S. Hiranya, with support from the forest department, said Mr. Prabhakaran.
Their role will be crucial in strengthening vigilance and supporting conservation activities in sensitive forest landscapes. ‘’The trained canine squads have now returned to their respective reserves, ready to contribute to the protection 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 distributed on December 1 for completion of the training, and it was akin to a “graduation day’’ not only for the handlers but the canines. Mr. Prabhakaran, Naveen Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, M. Mallesh, Range Forest Officer, Sriramulu, Range Forest Officer, and Bandipur forest department staff were among those present.
Published – December 01, 2025 08:34 pm IST
