SANParks takes fight to rhino poachers

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - South Africans are urged to take advantage of free admission at national parks this National Parks Week.

But let's remember, SANParks is still battling rhino poaching and illegal game hunting.

It's now introduced K9 units to tackle this problem.

READ: 78% decrease in rhino poaching seen at SANParks

The unit has been billed as a game-changer for anti-poaching and illegal hunting initiatives in the Kruger.

"There are dog handlers and dogs that are tracking and following human scent and this has been successful as we have seen over 98 percent of the poachers that were done with these dogs," said Rey Thakhuli.

But even with all this success, the operation can still be risky for the rangers.

"I can say that there might be a threat, not especially on the poachers but even the dangerous animals," said dog handler Katekani Sibuyi.

"But because I’m trained to do the work, I have that confidence that I can trust the dog and my colleagues that when there is a threat, they can still protect me."

READ: SA links fall in Kruger's rhino poaching to declining animal numbers

While South Africa recorded a slight decline in rhino poaching and illegal hunting this year, SANParks says it slowly winning the fight against poaching.

* eNCA's Theodor Mashele reports.