Jaipur, July 1 -- For the first time in Rajasthan, a dedicated dog squad is being set up at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to aid in the prevention and detection of wildlife crimes. A senior forest official said two forest guards, along with a sniffer dog, are currently undergoing specialised training at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force's Basic Training Centre (BTC-ITBP) in Panchkula. The sniffer dog, likely a Belgian Malinois, is being trained to track poachers, detect wildlife products, and assist in crime scene investigations. Once deployed, the dog squad will enhance the reserve's capacity to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade, marking a significant step forward in Rajasthan's wildlife conservation efforts, the official added. RTR field director Anook KR said that "The Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves" conducted in 2022 by NTCA had recommended that there should be a sniffer dog squad in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Dog squads are being deployed in most of the tiger reserves to help in protection and crime investigation activities. He added, "In Periyar Tiger Reserve, the sniffer dog had helped in sniffing out the gun used in poaching of a wild gaur and further investigation had revealed the details of a racket that used to regularly hunt wild animals and supply meat to the people." He said the dogs are given special training to sniff out wild meat, traps, bombs hidden inside fruits or wheat flour. The trainers and dogs are undergoing training simultaneously so that the trainers can upgrade the skills of the dogs as and when required. "A special housing facility for keeping the dog and a training facility are being readied at Sawai Madhopur. This will boost protection efficiency of the Ranthambhore reserve," he said....