In 2010 the new incoming safari operator into Dande Safari Area and Dande East Charlton McCallum Safaris, owned by Buzz Charlton and Myles McCallum realised that there was an urgent need to support the community scouts working in Dande East. These were good people but unpaid for 9 months, and understandably demoralized. They were also seriously under resourced in way of equipment, communications and training. Immediately, Buzz and Myles with their own finances contributed to help the patrols with training, safety gear, food, vehicle maintenance, fuel, radio communications, staff welfare, staff accommodation, logistical support and incentives for good work done. The 18 National Parks staff in the Dande Safari Area were in a better position but also needed additional resources to be more effective.

In 2012 the geographic area of operations was expanded to include all of Dande North, the Dande Safari Area and Dande East – some 200,000 hectares (500,000 acres). With the continued poaching pressure on wildlife (including elephant poaching) and biodiversity in general , the scale of area and operations, meant for an ever increasing financial burden on Charlton McCallum Safaris.  As a result The Dande Anti-Poaching Unit – DAPU was officially formed in 2014.

The DAPU of 2025 still has the same DNA as its beginnings – resourcing and supporting community scouts to do their jobs really well. Of course it is just way larger and has evolved over time in step with the challenges and landscape