Namibia is intensifying its war against wildlife crime with a new anti-poaching dog unit.

The dog unit will be used for wildlife protection and law enforcement, and comprises four German Shepherds procured from Holland.

Namibia’s Tourism Minister, Pohamba Shifeta, says: “All four dogs are trained to search buildings, vehicles, baggage and open areas for firearms, ammunition and illegal wildlife products such as ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales and bush meat.”

The unit was funded by various sources, including the Save the Rhino Trust and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The dog unit will be used in the Etosha and Bwabwata National Parks, as well as in other conservation areas and strategic points, airports and border posts.

The government plans to acquire three more dogs by the end of this year.