As a child growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, Mikey Hensman was surrounded by rescued exotic animals like elephants, impalas, and warthogs. This unique upbringing sparked his deep passion for wildlife that eventually led him to a career in anti-poaching and conservation. Hensman is the co-founder of Resolve Wildlife, an African-led strategic advisory and training group dedicated to conserving Africa's wild landscapes. Resolve Wildlife's team includes experts in protected area management, ecology, law enforcement, and community-based resource management. One of their key conservation partners, Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), is a non-profit organization working to protect Zambia’s Lower Zambezi region. CLZ collaborates with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) to conduct foot and aerial patrols, as well as operate specialized enforcement units, including the highly effective Dog Unit.

Introduced in 2016 with support from USAID, the Dog Unit plays a vital role in combating poaching and wildlife trafficking. Trained to detect scents of ammunition, bushmeat, ivory, pangolin, and firearms, these skilled sniffer dogs and their local handlers conduct vehicle searches at checkpoints and assist with tracking operations. Their efforts have resulted in numerous arrests and significant recoveries of illegal wildlife products, including over 175 kilograms of bushmeat and multiple firearms. Looking ahead, the program aims to expand the dogs' detection capabilities to include rhino horn and Zambia’s rare Mukula wood, further strengthening anti-poaching efforts in the region.

Show Notes:

00:03:46 - From Polo to Elephant Training: A Family's Journey

00:07:09 - Elephant Conservation and Canine Anti-Poaching Programs

00:10:16 - Detection and Tracking: Canine Anti-Poaching Capabilities

00:12:23 - Challenges of Conservation Dog Training in Africa

00:18:42 - Patrolling the Periphery: Combating Poaching in Africa

00:21:14 - Encounters with Poachers in the Miombo Woodland

00:24:23 - Tracking Poachers Through Rugged Terrain

00:27:28 - Tracking Animals for Conservation

00:30:51 - Protecting Wildlife and Communities in Lower Zambezi

00:34:41 - Protecting the Zambezi River and Wildlife

00:36:18 - Promoting Environmental Education and Community Empowerment

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