The detection and identification of tuatara and gecko scents by dogs

Dogs are widely used for scent detection work, assisting in searches for, among other things, missing persons, explosives, and even cancers. They are also increasingly used in conservation settings, being deployed for a range of diverse purposes. Although scent detecting dogs have been used in conservation roles for over 100 years, it is only recently that the scientific literature has begun to document their effectiveness and, importantly, how suitable dogs should initially be selected by organizations wanting to develop a detection program. In this paper, we review this literature, with the aim of extracting information that might be of value to conservation groups considering whether to invest in the use of dogs. We conclude that selection of appropriate dogs is no easy task. While olfactory ability is critical, so also are a range of other characteristics. These include biological, psychological, and social traits. At present, no validated selection tools have been published. Existing organizations have adapted selection instruments from other contexts for their use, but very little published information is available regarding the effectiveness of these instruments in a conservation setting. In the absence of clear guidelines, we urge those wanting to invest in one or more dogs for conservation purposes to proceed with extreme caution and, preferably, under the watchful eyes of an experienced professional.

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“…As is evident from Table 1, current literature in the field primarily details what CDDs can do (4, 22, 30). The list is impressive!…”

Section: Overview Of Literature Search Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection

2016

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“…One study in New Zealand that used 20 dogs, worked with members of 2 dog clubs to undertake odor discrimination of 2 species of reptiles as a test of feasibility for future field surveys (Browne et al. 2015). By using volunteers, they deferred responsibility of the dogs to private handlers while still demonstrating high sensitivity in odor discrimination (above 90%).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Similarly, high sensitivity is vital to eradication programs (Hurt et al 2014), but sensitivity may not be important where a single detection confirms the target species presence and triggers conservation action (Scheffers et al 2011 2008) and provides context for sensitivity. Efficient performance and being able to search large areas within a limited time frame is important within industrial work sites (Paula et al 2011), but time may not be a critical factor when working with volunteers (Browne et al 2015). Cost considerations are more important where budgets are limited (Orkin et al 2016) and less important within industrial and eradication programs (Cherry et al 2016).…”

Section: Relevance To Conservation Objectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Orkin et al (2016) highlights the advantages of engaging a local police officer and his police dog for their study in China in terms of care and housing for the dog in addition to logistical advantages, such as facilitating travel and interactions with permit officials and field assistants. One study in New Zealand that used 20 dogs, worked with members of 2 dog clubs to undertake odor discrimination of 2 species of reptiles as a test of feasibility for future field surveys (Browne et al 2015). By using volunteers, they deferred responsibility of the dogs to private handlers while still demonstrating high sensitivity in odor discrimination (above 90%).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Evaluating conservation dogs in the search for rare species

Bennett

Hauser

Moore

2020

Conservation Biology

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Detecting rare species is important for both threatened species management and invasive species eradication programs. Conservation scent dogs provide an olfactory survey tool that has advantages over traditional visual and auditory survey techniques for some cryptic species. From the literature, we identified 5 measures important in evaluating the use of scent dogs: precision, sensitivity, effort, cost, and comparison with other techniques. We explored the scale at which performance is evaluated and examined when field testing under real working conditions is achievable. We also identified cost differences among studies. We examined 61 studies published in 1976–2018 that reported conservation dog performance, and considered the inconsistencies in the reporting of scent dog performance among these studies. The majority of studies reported some measure of performance; however, only 8 studies reported all 3 aspects necessary for performance evaluation: precision, sensitivity, and effort. Although effort was considered in 43 studies, inconsistent methods and incomplete reporting prevented meaningful evaluation of performance and comparison among studies. Differences in cost between similar studies were influenced by geographical location and how the dog and handler were sourced for the study. To develop consistent reporting for evaluation, we recommend adoption of sensitivity, precision, and effort as standard performance measures. We recommend reporting effort as the total area and total time spent searching and reporting sensitivity and precision as proportions of the sample size. Additionally, reporting of costs, survey objectives, dog training and experience, type of detection task, and human influences will provide better opportunities for comparison within and among studies.

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“…For instance, the dogs' olfactory acuity and trainability are thought to enable them to find animals at rates often much higher than humans [63]. Through scat, carcass or direct detection of live or dead animals and their remains, trained dogs have been deployed to identify individuals and populations of birds, mammals and reptiles, from spotted and barred owls [64] to bobcat [65] and gecko [66]. Dogs have been successfully used to locate and/or identify numerous endangered populations such as the lowland gorilla [67] and the Northern Atlantic right whale [68].…”

Section: Impact On Terrestrial Biodiversity (Sdg 15: Life On Land)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Humanity’s Best Friend: A Dog-Centric Approach to Addressing Global Challenges

Sykes

Beirne

Horowitz

et al. 2020

Animals

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Simple Summary: The Earth is under increasing pressure from the burgeoning global human population and the subsequent rise in demand for food and a myriad of other finite resources. Mitigating the environmental, societal and ecological impact of the human footprint requires understanding the long-term relationships between our species and the plants and animals we now rely upon. In addition, the modern scientific approach often conceives of, and addresses individual problems through narrow windows that can fail to take into account the connectedness of multiple problems. By broadening the scope of inquiry to include both science and humanities perspectives, and simultaneously focussing on a single species, we suggest that many of the United Nations Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) can be addressed more effectively. In this paper, we describe Animals 2020, 10, 502 2 of 18 how a comprehensive assessment of the long-term relationship between humans and dogs can yield insights, and offer ways in which modern global challenges can be tackled. Abstract:No other animal has a closer mutualistic relationship with humans than the dog (Canis familiaris). Domesticated from the Eurasian grey wolf (Canis lupus), dogs have evolved alongside humans over millennia in a relationship that has transformed dogs and the environments in which humans and dogs have co-inhabited. The story of the dog is the story of recent humanity, in all its biological and cultural complexity. By exploring human-dog-environment interactions throughout time and space, it is possible not only to understand vital elements of global history, but also to critically assess our present-day relationship with the natural world, and to begin to mitigate future global challenges. In this paper, co-authored by researchers from across the natural and social sciences, arts and humanities, we argue that a dog-centric approach provides a new model for future academic enquiry and engagement with both the public and the global environmental agenda.

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The detection and identification of tuatara and gecko scents by dogs

Cited by 36 publications

References 34 publications

Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection

Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection

Evaluating conservation dogs in the search for rare species

Humanity’s Best Friend: A Dog-Centric Approach to Addressing Global Challenges

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