Sniffer dogs fight wildlife trafficking in Uganda

Transcript

00:00The Canine Conservation Program began in 2016, placing sniffer dogs at Entebbe International

00:14Airport and key conservation areas. Since then, the unit has recovered hundreds of

00:20illegally trafficked wildlife products.

00:22We use the dogs to detect wildlife trophies and products from passenger bags and cargo.

00:28So we've seen a great reduction in the numbers of confiscations that we've had over time.

00:36Uganda was once listed among the gang of eight countries for wildlife crime.

00:41But authorities say they are determined to turn the tide.

00:45Behind me, a sniffer dog is screening passenger luggage, part of Uganda's frontline defense against wildlife trafficking.

00:53These canine teams are trained to detect even the faintest of ivory, rhino horn or pangolin scales hidden in transit.

01:01Traffickers are constantly adapting, finding new ways to hide wildlife products.

01:07The canine unit has had to adapt just as quickly, refining their training and detection techniques to stay ahead.

01:15We also do personnel training where we learn new techniques of concealment, how the traffickers are evolving,

01:24to try by all means to be either the same place with them or ahead of them.

01:29We understand that the globe is always changing and people are adapting to new methods, concealment techniques and stuff.

01:37With tougher laws, a dedicated wildlife court and growing regional cooperation, Uganda is strengthening its defenses.

01:44For the canine teams, it's a race against time where every sniff counts.

01:50We have seen around 56 cases being successfully prosecuted.

01:55Okay?

01:56We had a landmark case in 2022 where someone was born in the possession of ivory and this person was sent to life in prison.

02:04Now this person is serving because the law is very clear.

02:08It makes heavier penalties for people who have wildlife crime, the Wildlife Act 315.

02:16We can be sentenced up to life originally.

02:20But also we can be made to pay a fine of up to 20 billion Ugandashillings.

02:26This is not small money.

02:28From airport checkpoints to conservation areas, Uganda's canine unit is proving that even small noses can make a difference

02:36in protecting endangered species.

02:42You