Addis Ababa: Ethiopia launched its first canine unit dedicated to detecting illegal wildlife products at Bole International Airport. The African Wildlife Foundation handed over four trained detection dogs and their handlers to the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority in a move aimed at strengthening efforts to curb wildlife trafficking.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia's rich biodiversity, which includes a variety of fauna and flora, requires enhanced protection from traffickers and habitat destruction. She emphasized that the new canine unit is a crucial step in the fight against wildlife crimes and highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the country's natural heritage for future generations.

Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority Director-General Kumara Wakjira noted that illegal wildlife trafficking threatens many endangered species in Ethiopia and across the region, undermining economies, legal livelihoods, and security. He stated that the deployment of the canine unit will primarily target the detection of elephant ivory, pangolin scales, and rhino horns, with the goal of deterring wildlife trafficking at the airport and enhancing overall security.

Philip Muruthi, Vice President of Species Conservation and Science at the African Wildlife Foundation, called the canine unit a significant achievement in protecting Africa’s biodiversity. He emphasized the broader environmental impact of species loss and the role of such initiatives in preserving ecosystems and promoting tourism.