Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: India’s wildlife sniffer dog squads, trained under WWF-India’s pioneering wildlife sniffer dog training programme, serve on the frontline to curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade. These highly trained dogs assist state forest departments and other law enforcement agencies in tracking wildlife offenders, detecting contraband, and strengthening enforcement efforts across the country.
To enhance operational readiness and address evolving training needs, WWF-India organises refresher training for deployed wildlife sniffer dogs. The latest cohort of six wildlife sniffer dog squads aged between three and six years, and their 12 handlers from Pench Tiger Reserve and Gondia Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra), Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), Nagarahole Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu), have begun training at the National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD), BSF Academy Tekanpur. The refresher course will conclude in April 2026 and will help to reinforce obedience and command responsiveness while sharpening scent detection and tracking skills.
Dr Dipankar Ghose, Senior Director, Biodiversity Conservation, WWF-India, said, “Wildlife crime networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and tech-savvy, making it imperative for enforcement responses to stay ahead of them. Wildlife sniffer dog squads are a vital asset, supporting investigations, locating concealed wildlife derivatives, and reinforcing on-ground enforcement presence. Given the demanding and unpredictable nature of field conditions, continuous capacity building is essential. This refresher course at NTCD, BSF Academy, Tekanpur, ensures that the wildlife sniffer dog squads remain responsive and fully prepared to support the agencies in effectively addressing emerging wildlife crime-related challenges.”
Dr. B. N. Panchbuddhe, Commanding Officer, NTCD, BSF Academy Tekanpur, Gwalior, emphasised the importance of sustained training, “A sniffer dog requires constant practice to enhance tracking skills. Refresher training reinforces discipline, accuracy, and teamwork with the handler. We are glad to collaborate with WWF-India and share our expertise to further strengthen India’s fight against wildlife crime.”
During the training, strategic exercises are designed to strengthen the bond and trust between the dogs and their handlers—crucial to forming an effective wildlife sniffer dog squad. By simulating real-life situations, the dogs learn to remain calm under pressure, stay focused on the task, and respond quickly and confidently to commands, even in challenging and unpredictable environments.
Such refresher trainings are essential to keep wildlife sniffer dog units alert, confident, and dependable in the field. It ensures they are always prepared to respond swiftly and effectively, strengthening wildlife law enforcement efforts and playing a critical role in protecting India’s rich and diverse natural heritage.
About the participating wildlife sniffer dogs: Wildlife sniffer dog Willy from Pench Tiger Reserve has assisted in over 40 wildlife crime cases, including those involving tigers and leopards. Bella, also from Pench, has helped secure vital evidence in a wildlife crime case. Stella, from Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, has contributed to solving more than 12 wildlife crime cases, several involving tiger poaching. Tiger, from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, has played a key role in multiple wildlife crime investigations. Daisy, from Kanha Tiger Reserve, has assisted in cases involving the poaching of deer, peafowl, and tiger. Rambo, deployed with Gondia Wildlife Sanctuary, has supported investigations linked to tiger poaching. Together, these dedicated dogs and their handlers continue to strengthen wildlife protection efforts and safeguard India’s natural heritage.
