Rana was a magnificent dog sniffing, tracking poachers, and detecting illegal activities like tree felling in Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) for seven years. His death in 2022 left a significant void in Karnataka’s wildlife protection efforts. The department has decided to more than compensate Rana’s vacancy by deploying 10 tracker dogs to guard five different areas – two dogs per forest reserve.
To train them the Karnataka Forest Department has established the Trackers Dog Squad Training Centre at Melukamanahalli in BTR. This pioneering project, the first of its kind in the country, aims to combat wildlife crimes such as poaching, illegal logging, and human-animal conflicts by training a specialized squad of dogs.
A VISION ROOTED IN LEGACY
“Rana was not just a tracker dog; he was a symbol of our commitment to conserving wildlife. His success inspired us to create a centre that could produce more heroes like him,” shared Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar, IFS, Conservator of Forests (Project Tiger), Mysuru with Indian Masterminds.
The gap left by Rana’s absence was partially filled by Drona, a new sniffer dog trained by TRAFFIC WWF-India. However, with increasing threats to Karnataka’s forests and wildlife, the demand for trained tracker dogs far exceeded supply. This challenge led to the establishment of a state-operated training centre to ensure consistent and region-specific training.
The Melukamanahalli administrative block was chosen for its strategic location—outside the core tiger habitat but close enough for practical training. “This site offers the perfect balance between accessibility and immersion in the wild, allowing the dogs to train in realistic conditions without disturbing the reserve’s delicate ecosystem,” explained Dr. Ramesh.
MEET THE SQUAD : BELGIAN MALINOIS
The centre is currently home to 10 Belgian Malinois pups, a breed renowned for its intelligence, agility, and resilience. These dogs, often used globally in law enforcement and conservation efforts, were specifically chosen for their adaptability to challenging environments.
“Belgian Malinois are ideal for this initiative. They are tough, trainable, and highly skilled in sniffing and tracking. Their use in Africa’s ‘Canines for Conservation Program’ has shown remarkable results, including over 400 wildlife crime detections,” Dr. Ramesh elaborated.
TRAINING
The 10-month intensive training program, led by canine behaviorist Amrut S. Hiranya of Amruth Dog Guru Services, focuses on developing the dogs’ tracking abilities and enhancing the skills of their handlers.
The training includes:
- Wildlife Crime Detection: Identifying poachers, tracking illegal wildlife trade items like skins, tusks, and snares.
- Illegal Logging Prevention: Detecting smuggled timber such as sandalwood, teak, and rosewood.
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing human-animal conflicts, such as cases involving electrocution of wildlife.
- Fire Detection: Tracking individuals responsible for forest fires.
The program also incorporates agility training using locally designed equipment and emphasizes practical fieldwork within the reserve.
A BROADER CONSERVATION MISSION
The centre plans to train 10 dogs annually, catering to Karnataka’s five national parks, 36 wildlife sanctuaries, and adjoining states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This initiative sets a precedent for wildlife conservation in India. Unlike previous reliance on external training centers, Karnataka now has a self-sufficient model tailored to its specific needs.
Until recently, Karnataka’s tracker dogs were trained at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force’s Basic Training Centre in Haryana, a process that often delayed deployment. With the new facility, the state can train dogs locally, ensuring faster and more efficient integration into forest protection strategies.
“This centre represents a significant leap in our approach to wildlife conservation. It’s not just about training dogs; it’s about empowering our forest department with tools and skills to protect our natural heritage effectively,” said Dr. Ramesh.
Wildlife crimes like poaching and illegal logging pose significant threats to Karnataka’s biodiversity. The Tracker Dog Training Centre is designed to address these challenges head-on, not just in tiger reserves but across the state’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
“Trained tracker dogs will be instrumental in solving and preventing wildlife crimes. Their presence will act as a deterrent, creating psychological barriers for potential offenders,” Dr. Ramesh noted.
LOOKING AHEAD
The program’s success could inspire similar initiatives nationwide. Beyond crime detection, the trained dogs will assist in human-wildlife conflict cases and help prevent forest fires—a growing concern during summer months.
Dr. Ramesh highlighted the potential of the centre to become a hub for innovation in conservation. “Our goal is to make this a model for other states. By addressing the unique challenges of our forests, we hope to set an example for the entire nation.”
INSPIRING COMMITMENT
The inauguration of the Trackers Dog Squad Training Centre marks a new chapter in Karnataka’s conservation journey. Under the guidance of senior forest officials and in collaboration with experts, the initiative promises to strengthen wildlife protection and preserve the state’s ecological balance.
“Every dog trained here is a guardian of our forests, a protector of our wildlife. This initiative is not just about preventing crimes; it’s about securing a future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously,” Dr. Ramesh concluded.
As Karnataka takes this bold step forward, the Trackers Dog Squad Training Centre at Bandipur stands as a testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to conservation.
