EcoLocalizer

Dogs and their guides have been transported to the Galapagos Islands as part of a K9 project to track down poachers and reduce crime against wildlife.

The K9 units are now set for regular inspections, beginning at airports, harbors and random checkpoints on all three islands in order to halt illegal poaching activities which have plagued many of the islands’ unique flora and fauna.

The project had been delayed for months due to a lack of funds, which were needed to construct a dog kennel for housing the K9s on Isabela Island. But thanks to generous help from volunteers from the Sea Shepard Society, fundraisers were organized specifically for the kennel’s construction and the project is finally ready to proceed.

The islands contain a vast number of endemic species, many of which have no natural predators and so are relatively tame, making them prime targets for poachers. Isabela Island, largest of the Galapagos Islands, also has the highest level of poaching, making the construction of the kennel there paramount to the K9 Project’s success.

The Galapagos are one of thirty places to have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Danger List due in large part to increased poaching. For instance, just last year 53 sea lions (13 pups, 25 youngsters, 9 males and 6 females) were found killed with their heads caved in.

Hopefully now with K9s on patrol, it’ll be the beginning of the end for that kind of despicable activity.

Image Credit: mccun934 on Flickr under a CC License

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