Two dogs, Stacey and Moscot, were introduced to the park rangers on Thursday as part of the anti-poaching policing unit after they were donated by Waterberg’s Honorary Rangers.

Sanparks spokeswoman, Divhani Maremba, said Stacey and Mascot had been trained to track human scent, to sniff out rhino horn and ammunition, as well as to help protect their human colleagues.

“They also possess natural instincts that are further enhanced by training and will assist greatly in the park where cases of smuggling, poaching and border jumping are prevalent,” she said.

Mapungubwe borders Zimbabwe and Botswana.

Maremba said two rangers had trained the dogs and would be working closely with them.

“They have been trained as dog handlers and will assist in performing the following duties: searching vehicles entering and exiting the Park, tracking and patrolling, including fence, riverine and border areas.”

The international world heritage site which features cultural landscape and wildlife is under constant threat from poaching raids.

“We are truly excited about the addition to our Ranger Corps which will assist us greatly in our conservation efforts, not only in Mapungubwe National Park, but also within the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Area,” said Conrad Strauss, Park Manager at Mapungubwe National Park.

ANA