CONSERVATION DETECTOR DOGS
Specializing in Wildlife Surveys
During the period 1997 through 2000 Barbara and Steve provided training and dogs for various projects for Dr. Wasser of the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington
The following represent some of the projects which utilized PackLeader supplied training and dogs. Please let us know if you would like additional information.
2000/2001: Species Identification Study
Dogs were trained to distinguish between scats from similar species. Two separate studies were conducted on distinguishing grizzly bear from black bear and kit fox from red fox.
Trainer/Handler: Barbara Davenport
Principle Investigators: Aimee Hurt (Grizzly / Black Bear) and Deb Smith (Kit Fox / Red Fox)
April-July 2001, Yellowhead Ecosystem Grizzly Study
The Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington and the Foothills Model Forest extension of Parks Canada used detector dogs to locate grizzly and black bear scats around Jasper National Park. Collected scats were analyzed to estimate population size and determine significance of human disturbance on grizzly bears in Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Sam Wasser, University of Washington, Center for Conservation Biology.
April-July 2002: Yellowhead Ecosystem Grizzly Study
The Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington and the Foothills Model Forest extension of Parks Canada used detector dogs to locate grizzly and black bear scats around Jasper National Park. Collected scats were analyzed to estimate population size and determine significance of human disturbance on grizzly bears in Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Sam Wasser, University of Washington, Center for Conservation Biology.
Multi Year project: Vermont Forest Carnivore Study
Conservation dog teams were utilized to assess the presence and absence of forest carnivores in areas of human disturbance throughout Vermont. Detection dogs were trained to locate black bear, fisher and bobcat scats.
Principle Investigator: Robert Long, University of Vermont, Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Multi-Year project: New England Right Whale Study
With significant low levels of calves and an increasing decline in the overall number of right whales researchers turned to the aid of detection dogs for locating floating scat. Whale scat floats for a limited amount of time (30 – 45 min) making time of the essence. Dogs were positioned on the bow of boats and indicated which direction scat was located. Scats were then analyzed for fluctuations in stress hormones and toxicity levels to determine their affect on reproduction.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Roz Rolland, New England Aquarium
Two Projects: Mojave Desert Tortoise Survey
The Hyundai/Kia Motor Company employed detection dogs in locating live tortoise specimens in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s protocol for listed species under the Endangered Species Act. While in the field, dogs also indicated on occupied burrows up to 3m in depth, carcasses and scats.
Principle Investigator: William Vanherweg
Two projects: New Mexico Bobcat Survey
A conservation dog team is being utilized to assess the presence and absence of bobcats in the Elephant Lake region of New Mexico. Detection dog was trained to locate bobcat scats.
Principle Investigator: Dr. Robert L. Harrison, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico
Kangaroo Rat Survey
Conservation dog teams are being utilized to locate Dipodomys nitratoides exilis at the Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve. Detection dogs were trained to locate kangaroo rat scats.
Principle Investigator: Curtis Bjurlin, Endangered Species Recovery Program, Fresno, CA
Multi Year Project: Survey of Bat Species US Southwest
Use of Conservation dog teams to survey bat species in New Mexico and Arizona.
Principle Investigators: Carol Chambers, Northern Arizona University; Alice Chung-MacCoubrey, National Park Service.
Multi Year Project: Survey of Cat Species in Belize
Project is for study of noninvasive tracking of jaguars (Panthera onca) and co-occurring feline species in Belize by genotyping feces and remote camera trapping
Principle Investigator: Claudia Wultsch, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Pilot Project: Spider Monkeys
Research project is a study of the spider monkeys in Nicaragua. This is a limited term pilot project to evaluate the utilization of conservation detection dogs in the study of spider monkeys in this region.
Principle Investigator: Carol Chambers, Northern Arizona University
Multi Year Project: Survey of Bush Dogs (Currently in Year 2 — May to November 2009)
Completed pilot project and current project scheduled to start in May 2009. This study will use scat-sniffing dogs, a highly successful technique with carnivores, and advances in genetic methodologies, as methods to rapidly gather ecological information (e.g., presence/absence, home range size, number of individuals in an area) on the elusive and wide-ranging bush dog. Location: Argentina
Principle Investigator: Dr. Karen DeMatteo, St. Louis Zoo
2008-2009: Survey Eastern Indigo Snakes (Currently in Year 2 – Oct. 2009-March 2010)
Using trained detection dogs to locate Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) in their natural habitat. Location: Georgia and Florida
Principle Investigators: Dr. Chris L. Jenkins and Dirk J. Stevenson, Project Orianne Ltd.
2009: Survey Eastern Indigo Snakes
Using trained detection dogs to verify absence of Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) on commercial location. Location: Georgia
Project Manager: Donald Hendrix, ESI
Summer 2009: Survey Greater Short-Horned Lizard
Using trained detection dogs to locate Greater Short Horned Lizards in their natural habitat. Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan
Principle Investigator: Krista Frink, et al, Parks Canada Agency
Fall 2009-Winter 2010: Javan Rhinos (Current Project)
Project is for study of the Javan rhino population, in Cat Loc, Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam.
Principle Investigator: Sarah Brook, World Wildlife Fund
Non-Wildlife Projects:
Pilot Project: Location of Invasive Plants
This pilot project was to determine if detection dogs could identify invasive plant species. See Research Article: Controlling an Invasive Salt Marsh Grass (Spartina patens) in Washington State: A Case Study of Resilience
Principle Investigator: David Milne, Evergreen State College
2008: Using Detection Dogs to Locate Leaks in Sewer Lines
Project was conducted in shore lines in Pierce County Washington. Dog proved effective in locating leaks.
Project Manager: Frank DiBiase, Pierce County Waste Control
CURRENT RESEARCH
Where have we been 1997 t0 2009??
