1
|
Amor MD, Barmos S, Cameron H, Hartnett C, Hodgens N, Jamieson LT, May TW, McMullan-Fisher S, Robinson A, Rutter NJ. On the trail of a critically endangered fungus: A world-first application of wildlife detection dogs to fungal conservation. iScience 2024; 27:109729. [PMID: 38799073 PMCID: PMC11123565 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Plant and animal conservation have benefited from the assistance of wildlife detection dogs (WDDs) since 1890, but their application to fungal conservation has not been trialed. In a world-first, we tested the effectiveness of WDDs and human surveyors when searching for experimentally outplanted fungi in natural habitat. We focused on a critically endangered fungus from Australia, Hypocreopsis amplectens, and showed that a WDD outperformed a human surveyor: our WDD detected a greater proportion of targets, had a faster time to first discovery, and had fewer false negatives. Our study highlights the tremendous potential for WDDs to enhance fungal conservation by demonstrating their utility in one of the most challenging fungal systems: a rare species with low population densities and low volatility. Our findings suggest that the application of WDDs to fungal conservation should enhance continuing efforts to document and conserve an understudied kingdom that is threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Amor
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA 6106, Australia
| | - Shari Barmos
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Hayley Cameron
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Tom W. May
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Siziba VI, Scroeder MM, Wilson B, Sliwa A, Willows‐Munro S. A method for noninvasive individual genotyping of black-footed cat ( Felis nigripes). Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11315. [PMID: 38660470 PMCID: PMC11040180 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is endemic to the arid regions of southern Africa. One of the world's smallest wild felids, the species occurs at low densities and is secretive and elusive, which makes ecological studies difficult. Genetic data could provide key information such as estimates on population size, sex ratios, and genetic diversity. In this study, we test if microsatellite loci can be successfully amplified from scat samples that could be noninvasively collected from the field. Using 21 blood and scat samples collected from the same individuals, we statistically tested whether nine microsatellites previously designed for use in domestic cats can be used to identify individual black-footed cats. Genotypes recovered from blood and scat samples were compared to assess loss of heterozygosity, allele dropout, and false alleles resulting from DNA degradation or PCR inhibitors present in scat samples. The microsatellite markers were also used to identify individuals from scats collected in the field that were not linked to any blood samples. All nine microsatellites used in this study were amplified successfully and were polymorphic. Microsatellite loci were found to have sufficient discriminatory power to distinguish individuals and identify clones. In conclusion, these molecular markers can be used to monitor populations of wild black-footed cats noninvasively. The genetic data will be able to contribute important information that may be used to guide future conservation initiatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vimbai I. Siziba
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalScottsvilleSouth Africa
| | | | - Beryl Wilson
- McGregor MuseumKimberleyNorthern CapeSouth Africa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
DeChant MT, Bunker PC, Hall NJ. Evaluation of the capability of oil specific discrimination in detection dogs. Behav Processes 2024; 216:105014. [PMID: 38461866 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Dogs are used for oil detection to support spill remediation and conservation, but little is known about the effects of weathering and aging of oil odorants on dogs' ability to generalize and discriminate unweathered oil from aged/weathered tar ball oil. Three dogs were trained to detect unweathered oil odorant using a three-alternative choice procedure and automated olfactometers. We evaluated dogs' ability to discriminate unweathered target oil from four different weathered/tar ball samples. All three dogs successfully discriminated the unweathered target oil from the four nontarget weathered oils with an accuracy of 96%, 97%, and 100%. After the oil discrimination test, dogs' ability to discriminate unweathered target oil from novel natural odorants on a beach (plastic bottle lid, bird feathers, and rocks) was tested in a novel discrimination test yielding an accuracy of 95%, 100%, and 100%. These data suggest dogs are successful in discriminating unweathered oil from weathered oil with explicit training.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kane SA, Fernandez LS, Huff DE, Prada-Tiedemann PA, Hall NJ. Canine detection of explosives under adverse environmental conditions with and without acclimation training. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297538. [PMID: 38381723 PMCID: PMC10881013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Canines are one of the best biological detectors of energetic materials available; however, canine detection of explosives is impacted by a number of factors, including environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were: 1) determine how canine detection limits vary when both the canine and odorant are tested in varying temperature and humidity conditions (canine and odor interactive effects); and 2) determine if an acclimatization plan can improve detection limits in an adverse environmental condition. Eight working line canines were trained to detect four energetics: prill ammonium nitrate (AN), Composition 4 (C4), trinitrotoluene (TNT) and double base smokeless powder (SP). In Experiment 1, canines completed a 3-alternative forced choice 3-down-1-up staircase threshold assessment in five environmental conditions: 40°C and 70% relative humidity (RH), 40°C and 40% RH, 0°C and 90% RH, 0°C and 50% RH and 21°C and 50% RH. Canines showed a 3.5-fold detection limit increase (poorer detection) for C4 in 40°C and 70% RH compared to their detection limit at 21°C and 50% RH. In Experiment 2, the eight canines were split into two groups (n = 4), control and acclimation groups. The control group completed the threshold assessment for C4 at 21°C and 50% RH each day for 20 days, with 5 minutes of petting prior to testing. The acclimation group completed the same assessment daily starting at 21°C and 50% RH but temperature and RH were incremented daily over the course of 6 days to the 40°C and 70% RH condition. After the initial six days, the acclimation group completed daily assessments at 40°C and 70% RH condition for the remainder of the experiment. All acclimatization group canines started their session with 5 minutes of toy or food retrieves. Detection limits for C4 for all dogs were tested in 40°C and 70% RH on day 11 and day 22. The acclimatization plan improved detection limits in the 40°C and 70% RH condition for C4 compared to the non-acclimated group. In this set of experiments, canine detection limits for four explosive odorants were found to vary based on environmental condition and were mostly driven by impacts on the canine rather than odor availability. The acclimatization plan did result in lower detection limits (i.e., increased performance). Future work should determine what factor (exercise or environmental exposure) is more effective in acclimatization for odor detection work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Kane
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| | - Lauren S. Fernandez
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| | - Dillon E. Huff
- Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Odor Profiling Laboratory, Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| | - Paola A. Prada-Tiedemann
- Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Odor Profiling Laboratory, Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel J. Hall
- Canine Olfaction Research and Education Lab, Davis College of Animal and Food Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sheldon EL, Hart CJ, Wilkinson A, Soulsbury C, Ratcliffe VF, Mills DS. Working dogs in dynamic on-duty environments: The impact of dark adaptation, strobe lighting and acoustic distraction on task performance. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295429. [PMID: 38330038 PMCID: PMC10852332 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sudden changes in sound and light (e.g., sirens and flashing police beacons) are a common component of working dogs' on-duty environment. Yet, how such stimuli impact dogs' ability to perform physical and cognitive tasks has not been explored. To address this shortcoming, we compared the accuracy and time taken for twelve dogs to complete a complex physical and cognitive task, before, during and after exposure to three 'real-world' stimuli: an acoustic distractor (85dB), white strobe lighting (5, 10 & 15 Hz), and exposure to a dazzling white, red, or blue lights. We found that strobe lighting, and to a greater extent, acoustic distraction, significantly reduced dogs' physical performance. Acoustic distraction also tended to impair dogs' cognitive performance. Dazzling lights had no effect on task performance. Most (nine out of twelve) dogs sensitised to the acoustic distraction to the extent of non-participation in the rewarded task. Our results suggest that without effective distractor response training, sudden changes in noise and flickering lights are likely to impede cognitive and physical task performance in working dogs. Repeated uncontrolled exposure may also amplify these effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L. Sheldon
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Carla J. Hart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Soulsbury
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel S. Mills
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McKeague B, Finlay C, Rooney N. Conservation detection dogs: A critical review of efficacy and methodology. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10866. [PMID: 38371867 PMCID: PMC10869951 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Conservation detection dogs (CDD) use their exceptional olfactory abilities to assist a wide range of conservation projects through the detection of target specimens or species. CDD are generally quicker, can cover wider areas and find more samples than humans and other analytical tools. However, their efficacy varies between studies; methodological and procedural standardisation in the field is lacking. Considering the cost of deploying a CDD team and the limited financial resources within conservation, it is vital that their performance is quantified and reliable. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the use of scent detection dogs in conservation and elucidate which factors affect efficacy. We describe the efficacy of CDD across species and situational contexts like training and fieldwork. Reported sensitivities (i.e. the proportion of target samples found out of total available) ranged from 23.8% to 100% and precision rates (i.e. proportion of alerts that are true positives) from 27% to 100%. CDD are consistently shown to be better than other techniques, but performance varies substantially across the literature. There is no consistent difference in efficacy between training, testing and fieldwork, hence we need to understand the factors affecting this. We highlight the key variables that can alter CDD performance. External effects include target odour, training methods, sample management, search methodology, environment and the CDD handler. Internal effects include dog breed, personality, diet, age and health. Unfortunately, much of the research fails to provide adequate information on the dogs, handlers, training, experience and samples. This results in an inability to determine precisely why an individual study has high or low efficacy. It is clear that CDDs can be effective and applied to possibly limitless conservation scenarios, but moving forward researchers must provide more consistent and detailed methodologies so that comparisons can be conducted, results are more easily replicated and progress can be made in standardising CDD work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth McKeague
- School of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | | | - Nicola Rooney
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lindborg RJ, Peruyero P, Witherington BE. Use of a scent-detection dog for sea turtle nest monitoring of three sea turtle species in Florida. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290740. [PMID: 37703232 PMCID: PMC10499246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are threatened with extinction around the world and rely on sandy beaches for laying their eggs. To protect eggs and locate them for calculation of reproductive success, beach surveyors must find the exact placement of each clutch. Eggs may be buried up to one meter deep under a nest mound several square meters in area. To locate sea turtle eggs, beach surveyors might spend hours searching for these eggs hidden in the sand, especially for difficult-to-locate leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs. Scent-detection dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are a novel tool that could provide a means to more accurately identify nests and efficiently locate eggs that need assessment, protection, or relocation. We assessed the effectiveness and feasibility of using a detection dog to locate sea turtle eggs buried in beach sand as compared to the traditional method using human beach surveyors. The detection dog was significantly more accurate in detecting loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) eggs and more efficient (less time spent and fewer holes dug) in assisting with locating the eggs. This case study presents results on the performance of one detection dog only, and additional research is needed with multiple detection dogs and handlers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah J. Lindborg
- Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States of America
| | - Pepe Peruyero
- J&K Canine Academy Inc. and Pepedogs™, Alachua, FL, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Glover NJ, Wilson LE, Leedale A, Jehle R. An experimental assessment of detection dog ability to locate great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) at distance and through soil. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285084. [PMID: 37285345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection dogs are increasingly used to locate cryptic wildlife species, but their use for amphibians is still rather underexplored. In the present paper we focus on the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus), a European species which is experiencing high conservation concerns across its range, and assess the ability of a trained detection dog to locate individuals during their terrestrial phase. More specifically, we used a series of experiments to document whether a range of distances between target newts and the detection dog (odour channelled through pipes 68 mm in diameter) affects the localisation, and to assess the ability and efficiency of target newt detection in simulated subterranean refugia through 200 mm of two common soil types (clay and sandy soil, both with and without air vents to mimic mammal burrows, a common refuge used by T. cristatus). The detection dog accurately located all individual T. cristatus across the entire range of tested distances (0.25 m- 2.0 m). The substrate trials revealed that the detection dog could locate individuals also through soil. Contrary to existing studies with detection dogs in human forensic contexts, however, detection was generally slower for T. cristatus under sandy soil compared to clay soil, particularly when a vent was absent. Our study provides a general baseline for the use of detection dogs in locating T. cristatus and similar amphibian species during their terrestrial phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Jayne Glover
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
- Wessex Water, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Amy Leedale
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Jehle
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wohlfahrt G, Schmitt M, Zeller L, Hörand A, Spittel-Schnell K, Wulms T, Schnell R, Bültge M. Air temperature and humidity effects on the performance of conservation detection dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
|
10
|
Henk M, Hilson C, Bean WT, Barton DC, Gunther MS. Noninvasive genetic sampling with a spatial capture‐recapture analysis to estimate abundance of Roosevelt elk. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie Henk
- Department of Wildlife California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, 1 Harpst Street Arcata CA 95521 USA
| | - Carrington Hilson
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 619 2nd Street Eureka CA 95501 USA
| | - William T. Bean
- Department of Wildlife California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, 1 Harpst Street Arcata CA 95521 USA
| | - Daniel C. Barton
- Department of Wildlife California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, 1 Harpst Street Arcata CA 95521 USA
| | - Micaela Szykman Gunther
- Department of Wildlife California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, 1 Harpst Street Arcata CA 95521 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Novák K, Helena C, Václav B, Ivona S, Marek K. Factors affecting locomotor activity of search and rescue dogs: The importance of terrain, vegetation and dog certification. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
12
|
Grimm-Seyfarth A. Environmental and training factors affect canine detection probabilities for terrestrial newt surveys. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
13
|
Beaumont SN, Ehlers Smith DA, Ehlers Smith YC, Downs CT. The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Detection of Gamebirds by Pointing Dogs in the KwaZulu-Natal Midland Grasslands of South Africa. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3957/056.052.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart N. Beaumont
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - David A. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Yvette C. Ehlers Smith
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| | - Colleen T. Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hoffmann BD, Faulkner C, Brewington L, Lawton F. Field quantifications of probability of detection and search patterns to form protocols for the use of detector dogs for eradication assessments. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8987. [PMID: 35784074 PMCID: PMC9168343 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of detector dogs within environmental programs has increased greatly over the past few decades, yet their search methods are not standardized, and variation in dog performance remains not well quantified or understood. There is much science to be done to improve the general utility of detector dogs, especially for invertebrate surveys. We report research for detector dog work conducted as part of yellow crazy ant eradication. One dog was first used to quantify the probability of detection (POD) within a strictly controlled trial. We then investigated the search patterns of two dogs when worked through sites using different transect spacings. Specifically, we quantified their presence within set distances of all locations in each assessment area, as well as the time they took to assess each area. In a GIS, we then calculated the relative percentage of the entire search area within six distance categories, and combined this information with the POD values to obtain a site‐level POD. The calculated relationship between distance and POD was extremely strong (R2 = 0.998), with POD being 86% at 2 m and 28% at 25 m. For site‐level assessments conducted by the two dogs, both dogs achieved the highest site‐level POD when operated on the lowest transect spacing (15 m), with POD decreasing significantly as transect spacing increased. Both dogs had strong linear relationships between area assessed and time, with the area assessed being greater when the transects had greater spacing. The working style of the two dogs also resulted in significantly different assessment outcomes. In 1 h one dog could assess approximately 9.2 ha with transects spaced 20 m apart, and 6.8 ha with transects spaced 15 m apart, whereas the second dog could only assess approximately 6.9 ha with transects spaced 20 m apart, and 4.9 ha with transects spaced 15 m apart. Our study provides insight into the ability of dogs to detect yellow crazy ants, and sets the basis for further science and protocol development for ant detection. With the lessons learned from this work, we then detail protocols for using detector dogs for ant eradication assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Hoffmann
- Tropical Ecosystems Research Centre CSIRO Health & Biosecurity Winnellie Northern Territory Australia
| | - Craig Faulkner
- Reconeco Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd East Lismore New South Wales Australia
| | - Laura Brewington
- East‐West Center Honolulu Hawaii USA
- Arizona State University Global Futures Lab Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Faye Lawton
- Rio Tinto Gove Operations Nhulunbuy Northern Territory Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
MacAulay KM, Spilker EG, Berg JE, Hebblewhite M, Merrill EH. Beyond the encounter: Predicting multi‐predator risk to elk (
Cervus canadensis
) in summer using predator scats. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8589. [PMID: 35222962 PMCID: PMC8843817 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kara M. MacAulay
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Eric G. Spilker
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Jodi E. Berg
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Mark Hebblewhite
- Wildlife Biology Program Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation University of Montana Missoula Montana USA
| | - Evelyn H. Merrill
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cozzi G, Hollerbach L, Suter SM, Reiners TE, Kunz F, Tettamanti F, Ozgul A. Eyes, ears, or nose? Comparison of three non-invasive methods to survey wolf recolonisation. Mamm Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-021-00167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe development and use of cost-effective and appropriate survey methods to assess species distribution and to monitor range expansion and contraction of wild populations is crucial due to the limited financial resources for conservation. Of particular importance, yet little studied, is the ability to collect information before a wild population is well established, i.e. at the early stages of recolonisation. During 2018 and 2019, we used camera traps, audio recorders, and scat detection dogs simultaneously to investigate composition, detection probability, and territorial extent of a pack of wolves in the Swiss Alps. We compared the efficacy of these survey methods by assessing sampling effort, data obtained, and costs. We show that, under the presented setup, camera traps and scat detection dogs substantially outperformed audio recorders in detecting wolves, representing the packs’ territorial extent, and revealing the number of adult wolves. The detection dogs did not detect pups but, unlike the other methods, allowed the identification of single individuals. The use of four camera traps during 13 weeks, a 24-km-long transect walked with the detection dog, or the use of one audio recorder during 148 weeks were necessary to obtain a comparable wolf detection probability. Our results show that no single method was able to return all information that we hoped to collect. Comprehensive and cost-effective information was best obtained by combining data from camera traps and detection dogs. We suggest both methods to be simultaneously used to successfully investigate wolf recolonisation into historical range.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kokocińska-Kusiak A, Woszczyło M, Zybala M, Maciocha J, Barłowska K, Dzięcioł M. Canine Olfaction: Physiology, Behavior, and Possibilities for Practical Applications. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082463. [PMID: 34438920 PMCID: PMC8388720 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction. Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments. The specific anatomical and physiological features of dog olfaction allow humans to achieve outstanding results in the detection of drugs, explosives, and different illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious disease. This article provides an overview of the anatomical features and physiological mechanisms involved in the process of odor detection and identification, as well as behavioral aspects of canine olfaction and its use in the service of humans in many fields. Abstract Olfaction in dogs is crucial for gathering important information about the environment, recognizing individuals, making decisions, and learning. It is far more specialized and sensitive than humans’ sense of smell. Using the strength of dogs’ sense of smell, humans work with dogs for the recognition of different odors, with a precision far exceeding the analytical capabilities of most modern instruments. Due to their extremely sensitive sense of smell, dogs could be used as modern, super-sensitive mobile area scanners, detecting specific chemical signals in real time in various environments outside the laboratory, and then tracking the odor of dynamic targets to their source, also in crowded places. Recent studies show that dogs can detect not only specific scents of drugs or explosives, but also changes in emotions as well as in human cell metabolism during various illnesses, including COVID-19 infection. Here, we provide an overview of canine olfaction, discussing aspects connected with anatomy, physiology, behavioral aspects of sniffing, and factors influencing the olfactory abilities of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kokocińska-Kusiak
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.-K.); (J.M.)
| | - Martyna Woszczyło
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Mikołaj Zybala
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Doctoral School, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, ul. Konarskiego 2, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland;
| | - Julia Maciocha
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, ul. Ciszewskiego 8, 02-786 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.-K.); (J.M.)
| | - Katarzyna Barłowska
- Department of Biotechnology and Nutrigenomics, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
| | - Michał Dzięcioł
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Plac Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Arnesen CH, Rosell F. Pest detection dogs for wood boring longhorn beetles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16887. [PMID: 34413443 PMCID: PMC8376989 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive alien species are increasing due to globalization. Their spread has resulted in global economic losses. Asian [Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)] (ALB) and citrus [A. chinensis (Forster)] (CLB) longhorn beetles are two introduced wood borers which contribute to these economic losses e.g. the destruction of tree plantations. Early detection is key to reduce the ecological influence alongside the detrimental and expensive eradication. Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) can detect these insects, potentially at an early stage. We trained two privately owned dogs to investigate their use as detection tools. We tested the dog's ability to discriminate ALB and CLB from native wood borers by carrying out double-blind and randomized experiments in three search conditions; (1) laboratory, (2) semi-field and (3) standardized field. For condition one, a mean sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 95% and accuracy of 92% were achieved. For condition two and three, a mean sensitivity of 88% and 95%, specificity of 94% and 92% and accuracy of 92% and 93% were achieved. We conclude that dogs can detect all types of traces and remains of ALB and CLB and discriminate them from native wood borers and uninfested wood, but further tests on live insects should be initiated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Holmstad Arnesen
- grid.463530.70000 0004 7417 509XFaculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800 Bø, Telemark Norway
| | - Frank Rosell
- grid.463530.70000 0004 7417 509XFaculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800 Bø, Telemark Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Impact of weather conditions on cheetah monitoring with scat detection dogs. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467421000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractKnowledge on cheetah population densities across their current range is limited. Therefore, new and efficient assessment tools are needed to gain more knowledge on species distribution, ecology and behaviour. Scat detection dogs have emerged as an efficient and non-invasive method to monitor elusive and vulnerable animal species, like cheetahs, due to the dog’s superior olfactory system. However, the success of locating scat using detection dogs can be significantly improved under suitable weather conditions. We examined the impact of temperature, humidity and wind speed on detection rates of scat from cheetahs during a scat detection dog survey in Northern Kenya. We found that average wind speed positively influences the scat detection rate of detection dogs working on leash. Humidity showed no significant influence. Temperature showed a strong negative correlation with humidity and thus was excluded from our model analyses. While it is likely that wind speed is especially invalid for dogs working off leash, this study did not demonstrate this. Wind speed could thus influence the success of monitoring cheetahs or other target species. Our findings help to improve the survey and thus maximise the coverage of study area and the collection of target samples of elusive and rare species.
Collapse
|
20
|
Petroelje TR, Fowler NL, Kautz TM, Lutto AL, Davidson GA, Beyer DE, Belant JL. Conservation Detection Dogs Increase Efficacy for Prey Detection at Carnivore GPS Cluster Sites During Summer. WILDLIFE SOC B 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. Petroelje
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Nicholas L. Fowler
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Todd M. Kautz
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | - Ashley L. Lutto
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| | | | - Dean E. Beyer
- Wildlife Division Michigan Department of Natural Resources 1990 US Highway 41 S Marquette MI 49855 USA
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse New York 13210 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Verschueren S, Briers‐Louw WD, Cristescu B, Fabiano E, Nghikembua M, Torres‐Uribe C, Walker EH, Marker L. Spatiotemporal sharing and partitioning of scent‐marking sites by cheetahs and leopards in north‐central Namibia. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Verschueren
- Cheetah Conservation Fund Otjiwarongo Namibia
- Evolutionary Ecology Group University of Antwerp Antwerp Belgium
| | - Willem D. Briers‐Louw
- Cheetah Conservation Fund Otjiwarongo Namibia
- Zambeze Delta Conservation Marromeu Mozambique
| | | | - Ezequiel Fabiano
- Department of Wildlife Management and Ecotourism University of Namibia Katima Mulilo Namibia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Diving in Nose First: The Influence of Unfamiliar Search Scale and Environmental Context on the Search Performance of Volunteer Conservation Detection Dog-Handler Teams. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041177. [PMID: 33924219 PMCID: PMC8074607 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conservation detection dogs (CDDs) are trained to locate biological material from plants and animals of interest to conservation efforts and are often more effective and economical than other detection methods. However, the financial costs of developing and appropriately caring for CDDs can make them inaccessible for smaller conservation organizations. Training skilled volunteers to work with suitable pet dogs may help increase accessibility. We sought to further develop the skills of 13 volunteer dog–handler teams that were trained in a previous study to detect myrrh essential oil in controlled laboratory conditions. We recorded the proportion of targets found, false alerts made and search duration of the dog–handler team group through progressive training stages outdoors that increased in size and environmental complexity. First, teams searched various-sized areas before and after 12 weeks of search training on a sports-field. Next, teams searched various-sized areas before and after seven weeks of training in bushland. Overall, teams found approximately 20% fewer targets in each unfamiliar context, compared to performance in familiar contexts. However, teams typically found 10–20% more targets after a period of training compared to baseline searches. Search performance varied between teams, yet six teams found at least 78% of targets after training in bushland. Our results help to validate our stepped approach to training and highlight the need to train volunteer CDD teams to work in various-sized areas and environments. Abstract Conservation detection dogs (CDDs) are trained to locate biological material from plants and animals of interest to conservation efforts and are often more effective and economical than other detection methods. However, the financial costs of developing and appropriately caring for CDDs can nonetheless prohibit their use, particularly by smaller conservation organizations. Training skilled volunteers to work with suitable pet dogs may help address this constraint. We sought to further develop the skills of 13 volunteer dog–handler teams that were trained in a previous study to detect myrrh essential oil in controlled laboratory conditions. We assessed search sensitivity, search effort, search precision and false-alert instances through progressive training stages increasing in size and environmental complexity. First, teams searched various-sized areas before and after 12 weeks of search training on a sports-field. Next, teams searched various-sized areas before and after seven weeks of training in bushland. Overall, search sensitivity decreased by approximately 20% in each unfamiliar context, compared to performance in familiar contexts. However, sensitivity typically improved from baseline performance by 10–20% after a period of training. Six teams found at least 78% of targets after training in bushland, yet sensitivity ranged from 29% to 86% between teams. We maintain that the foundational skills developed previously were necessary to prepare volunteer teams for field surveys involving conservation related targets. However, our results highlight the need to also train volunteer CDD teams in search scale and environmental contexts similar to their intended working conditions.
Collapse
|
23
|
DeChant MT, Hall NJ. Training with varying odor concentrations: implications for odor detection thresholds in canines. Anim Cogn 2021; 24:889-896. [PMID: 33649995 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Detection dogs are required to detect trace quantities of substances, many times in the parts per billion or parts per trillion concentration range. Frequently, detection of trace quantities is not explicitly trained but rather assumed when dogs show proficiency at higher concentrations to which they are trained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the odor concentration of the training sample on the minimum concentration dogs will subsequently detect. We expected that dogs may not spontaneously generalize to trace odor concentration when trained with higher concentrations, but when trained to a range of lower concentrations, dogs will show superior detection to lower untrained concentrations. A total of 11 dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups and were trained to alert to isoamyl acetate at 0.01% odor dilution (v/v with mineral oil) using a 3-alternative forced choice test. Once reaching proficiency, odor detection threshold was assessed using a 2-down 1-up descending staircase procedure. Next, experimental dogs received training with systematically lower concentrations of isoamyl acetate and threshold re-assessed. Control dogs were yoked to experimental dogs in terms of training time, but only received training to the 0.01% dilution between threshold assessments. Experimental dogs showed significantly improved detection thresholds, outperforming control dogs by detecting an average dilution about 100-fold lower. Results suggest that explicitly training for lower concentrations is critical for generalization for trace odor detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory T DeChant
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - Nathaniel J Hall
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
DeChant MT, Bunker PC, Hall NJ. Stimulus Control of Odorant Concentration: Pilot Study of Generalization and Discrimination of Odor Concentration in Canines. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020326. [PMID: 33525503 PMCID: PMC7912023 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs are deployed worldwide for detection tasks, but little is known about how they spontaneously generalize between concentration variations of their trained odor. This study found that dogs spontaneously generalized within a 10-fold concentration range lower than the training stimulus. Further, dogs could be trained to discriminate between concentrations within that 10-fold range. However, discrimination training did not affect dogs’ spontaneous generalization to the odor concentration unless discrimination training occurred in compound with generalization testing, suggesting that relative stimulus control of the target and non-target concentrations might be important in determining whether dogs will respond. Abstract Despite dogs’ widespread use as detection systems, little is known about how dogs generalize to variations of an odorant’s concentration. Further, it is unclear whether dogs can be trained to discriminate between similar concentration variations of an odorant. Four dogs were trained to an odorant (0.01 air dilution of isoamyl acetate) in an air-dilution olfactometer, and we assessed spontaneous generalization to a range of concentrations lower than the training stimulus (Generalization Test 1). Dogs generalized to odors within a 10-fold range of the training odorant. Next, we conducted discrimination training to suppress responses to concentrations lower than a concentration dogs showed initial responding towards in Generalization Test 1 (0.0025 air dilution). Dogs successfully discriminated between 0.0025 and 0.01, exceeding 90% accuracy. However, when a second generalization test was conducted (Generalization Test 2), responding at the 0.0025 concentration immediately recovered and was no different than in Generalization Test 1. Dogs were then tested in another generalization test (Compound Discrimination and Generalization) in which generalization probes were embedded within discrimination trials, and dogs showed suppression of responding to the 0.0025 concentration and lower concentrations in this preparation. These data suggest dogs show limited spontaneous generalization across odor concentration and that dogs can be trained to discriminate between similar concentrations of the same odorant. Stimulus control, however, may depend on the negative stimulus, suggesting olfactory concentration generalization may depend on relative stimulus control. These results highlight the importance of considering odor concentration as a dimension for generalization in canine olfactory research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory T. DeChant
- Department of Food and Animal Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
| | | | - Nathaniel J. Hall
- Department of Food and Animal Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Matthew EE, Relton CE. Training methodology for canine scent detection of a critically endangered lagomorph: a conservation case study. JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.20092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther E. Matthew
- Senior Field Officer, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Loxton, Northern Cape, South Africa; e-mail:
| | - Claire E. Relton
- Senior Science Officer, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa; e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Native, exotic, and livestock prey: assessment of puma Puma concolor diet in South American temperate region. MAMMAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00549-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
27
|
Baker GB, Candy S, Robinson S, Friend JA, Holdsworth M, Jensz K, Page M, Algar D. Effectiveness of dogs for detecting feral cat scats in wheatbelt reserves of Western Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextDogs are increasingly being used in conservation work to collect information on species abundance, distribution, occupancy and other biological measures. Monitoring feral cats through the use of detection dogs could provide a useful technique to complement existing feral cat survey and control methods.
AimTo demonstrate and quantify the ability of trained detection dogs to reliably and efficiently detect feral cat scats when present in woodland conservation reserves in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia.
MethodsCat scats were randomly placed into 466 1.5 ha (150 m × 100 m) quadrats in Tutanning Nature Reserve, Western Australia, and the location of the scat was recorded. Quadrats were then independently searched by dogs walking a central transect line and the locations of all scats detected were recorded, with the distance from the scat to the transect subsequently being calculated. Data collected allowed the relationship between distance from the transect and detection probability to be used to assist modelling of detection probabilities.
Key resultsDogs detected scats in 213 (55%) of 384 quadrats that were searched using a single transect line method. All indications of a find by the detector dogs were associated with a cat scat (no false indications). Detection probabilities for scats declined with distance from the transect line and with an increasing age of the scat. Simulations to investigate management options for cat control programs quantified effort required to detect cat scats under varying densities.
ConclusionDogs were highly efficient at detecting scats within the woodland environment of the Western Australian wheatbelt. The effort required to detect a scat was considerably higher when cat density was low.
ImplicationsOn the basis of the detection probabilities derived from the present study, trained scat-detection dogs can be expected to efficiently search woodlands and find cat scats by using an effective sweep width of 100 m (50 m either side of a transect) when scats are fresh. Sweep widths need to be reduced significantly if it is important to locate scats that have been exposed to the elements for greater periods of time, or to search habitats where terrain and vegetation cover are more challenging.
Collapse
|
28
|
Domínguez del Valle J, Cervantes Peralta F, Jaquero Arjona MI. Factors affecting carcass detection at wind farms using dogs and human searchers. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Domínguez del Valle
- Ideas Medioambientales S.L. Albacete Spain
- Lacertida, Biodiversidad & Impacto Ambiental Albacete Spain
| | - Francisco Cervantes Peralta
- Ideas Medioambientales S.L. Albacete Spain
- Lacertida, Biodiversidad & Impacto Ambiental Albacete Spain
- Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Martin C, Diederich C, Verheggen F. Cadaver Dogs and the Deathly Hallows-A Survey and Literature Review on Selection and Training Procedure. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1219. [PMID: 32709097 PMCID: PMC7401519 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) are powerful police assets to locate a corpse. However, the methods used to select and train them are as diverse as the number of countries with such a canine brigade. First, a survey sent to human remains searching brigades (Ncountries = 10; NBrigades = 16; NHandlers = 50; Nquestions = 9), to collect their working habits confirmed the lack of optimized selection and training procedures. Second, a literature review was performed in order to outline the strengths and shortcomings of HRDDs training. A comparison between the scientific knowledge and the common practices used by HRDDs brigade was then conducted focusing on HRDDs selection and training procedures. We highlighted that HRDD handlers select their dogs by focusing on behavioral traits while neglecting anatomical features, which have been shown to be important. Most HRDD handlers reported to use a reward-based training, which is in accordance with training literature for dogs. Training aids should be representative of the odor target to allow a dog to reach optimal performances. The survey highlighted the wide diversity of homemade training aids, and the need to optimize their composition. In the present document, key research topics to improve HRDD works are also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
| | - Claire Diederich
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium;
| | - François Verheggen
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lazarowski L, Krichbaum S, DeGreeff LE, Simon A, Singletary M, Angle C, Waggoner LP. Methodological Considerations in Canine Olfactory Detection Research. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:408. [PMID: 32766296 PMCID: PMC7379233 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are increasingly used in a wide range of detection tasks including explosives, narcotics, medical, and wildlife detection. Research on detection dog performance is important to understand olfactory capabilities, behavioral characteristics, improve training, expand deployment practices, and advance applied canine technologies. As such, it is important to understand the influence of specific variables on the quantification of detection dog performance such as test design, experimental controls, odor characteristics, and statistical analysis. Methods for testing canine scent detection vary influencing the outcome metrics of performance and the validity of results. Operators, management teams, policy makers, and law enforcement rely on scientific data to make decisions, design policies, and advance canine technologies. A lack of scientific information and standardized protocols in the detector dog industry adds difficulty and inaccuracies when making informed decisions about capability, vulnerability, and risk analysis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight important methodological issues and expand on considerations for conducting scientifically valid detection dog research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lazarowski
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Sarah Krichbaum
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Lauryn E DeGreeff
- Chemistry Division, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alison Simon
- AGS Forensics, LLC, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Melissa Singletary
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Craig Angle
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
DeChant MT, Ford C, Hall NJ. Effect of Handler Knowledge of the Detection Task on Canine Search Behavior and Performance. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:250. [PMID: 32528982 PMCID: PMC7266931 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection dogs are commonly trained and tested under conditions in which the handler or the evaluator knows the true presence or absence of a target odor. Previous research has demonstrated that when handlers are deceived and led to believe that a target odor is present, more false alerts occur. However, many detection teams operate under unknown conditions, and it remains unclear how handler knowledge (or lack thereof) of odor presence/absence influences the dog's behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate if knowing the number of hides placed influenced detection dog performance in an applied search environment. Professional (n = 20) and sport (n = 39) detection handler-dog teams were asked to search three separate areas (area 1 had one hide, area 2 had one hide, area 3 was blank). Handlers in the Unknown Group were not told any information on the number of hides whereas the Known Group were told there was a total of two hides in the three areas. The sport Unknown Group spent a longer duration (69.04 s) searching in area 3 compared to the sport Known Group (p = 0.004). Further, sport dogs in the Unknown group looked back to the handler more frequently. When a miss did occur, dogs of both sport and professional handlers showed an increase interest in the location of the target odor compared to a comparison location. Critically, however, there was no difference in false alerts between the Known Group and Unknown Group for sport or professional handlers. In a second experiment, fourteen professional, and thirty-nine sport teams from Experiment 1 conducted an additional search double-blind and an additional search single-blind. Both sport and professional-handler dog teams had statistically similar accuracy rate under single and double blind conditions. Overall, when handlers knew the number of hides, it led to significant changes in search behavior of the detection team but did not influence the overall false alert rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallory T DeChant
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | | | - Nathaniel J Hall
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Detecting small and cryptic animals by combining thermography and a wildlife detection dog. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5220. [PMID: 32251332 PMCID: PMC7090052 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small and cryptic species are challenging to detect and study in their natural habitat. Many of these species are of conservation concern, and conservation efforts may be hampered by the lack of basic information on their ecological needs. Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) leverets - one example of such a small, cryptic and endangered animal - are notoriously difficult to detect, and therefore data on wild leverets are virtually non-existent. Novel technologies and methods such as thermal imaging and the use of wildlife detection dogs represent suitable means for the detection of such species by overcoming the problem of camouflage, using heat or scent emission respectively. Our study on brown hare leverets provides information on how to apply these new techniques successfully for the detection of small and cryptic species, thus enabling the collection of data that was previously inaccessible (e.g. behavioural observation, radio tagging). We found that the choice of method should be made according to vegetative structure. While the handheld thermal imaging camera is best used in areas with no or low vegetative cover, the thermal drone can be used up to medium vegetative cover, whereas the detection dog method is best applied where vegetation is very dense and not suitable to be searched using thermography. Being able to search all sort of different vegetation types, our combined approach enables the collection of a balanced and unbiased dataset regarding habitat type and hence selection of study specimen. We hope that the use of these new techniques will encourage research on many cryptic species that formerly have been neglected because they could not be detected using conventional methodologies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Shiu Y, Palmer KJ, Roch MA, Fleishman E, Liu X, Nosal EM, Helble T, Cholewiak D, Gillespie D, Klinck H. Deep neural networks for automated detection of marine mammal species. Sci Rep 2020; 10:607. [PMID: 31953462 PMCID: PMC6969184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep neural networks have advanced the field of detection and classification and allowed for effective identification of signals in challenging data sets. Numerous time-critical conservation needs may benefit from these methods. We developed and empirically studied a variety of deep neural networks to detect the vocalizations of endangered North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis). We compared the performance of these deep architectures to that of traditional detection algorithms for the primary vocalization produced by this species, the upcall. We show that deep-learning architectures are capable of producing false-positive rates that are orders of magnitude lower than alternative algorithms while substantially increasing the ability to detect calls. We demonstrate that a deep neural network trained with recordings from a single geographic region recorded over a span of days is capable of generalizing well to data from multiple years and across the species’ range, and that the low false positives make the output of the algorithm amenable to quality control for verification. The deep neural networks we developed are relatively easy to implement with existing software, and may provide new insights applicable to the conservation of endangered species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shiu
- Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
| | - K J Palmer
- Department of Computer Science, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Marie A Roch
- Department of Computer Science, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Erica Fleishman
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Xiaobai Liu
- Department of Computer Science, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
| | - Eva-Marie Nosal
- Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Tyler Helble
- US Navy, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, System Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, 92152, USA
| | - Danielle Cholewiak
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Woods Hole, MA, 02543, USA
| | - Douglas Gillespie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Holger Klinck
- Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Thomas ML, Baker L, Beattie JR, Baker AM. Determining the efficacy of camera traps, live capture traps, and detection dogs for locating cryptic small mammal species. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:1054-1068. [PMID: 32015864 PMCID: PMC6988557 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Metal box (e.g., Elliott, Sherman) traps and remote cameras are two of the most commonly employed methods presently used to survey terrestrial mammals. However, their relative efficacy at accurately detecting cryptic small mammals has not been adequately assessed. The present study therefore compared the effectiveness of metal box (Elliott) traps and vertically oriented, close range, white flash camera traps in detecting small mammals occurring in the Scenic Rim of eastern Australia. We also conducted a preliminary survey to determine effectiveness of a conservation detection dog (CDD) for identifying presence of a threatened carnivorous marsupial, Antechinus arktos, in present-day and historical locations, using camera traps to corroborate detections. 200 Elliott traps and 20 white flash camera traps were set for four deployments per method, across a site where the target small mammals, including A. arktos, are known to occur. Camera traps produced higher detection probabilities than Elliott traps for all four species. Thus, vertically mounted white flash cameras were preferable for detecting the presence of cryptic small mammals in our survey. The CDD, which had been trained to detect A. arktos scat, indicated in total 31 times when deployed in the field survey area, with subsequent camera trap deployments specifically corroborating A. arktos presence at 100% (3) indication locations. Importantly, the dog indicated twice within Border Ranges National Park, where historical (1980s-1990s) specimen-based records indicate the species was present, but extensive Elliott and camera trapping over the last 5-10 years have resulted in zero A. arktos captures. Camera traps subsequently corroborated A. arktos presence at these sites. This demonstrates that detection dogs can be a highly effective means of locating threatened, cryptic species, especially when traditional methods are unable to detect low-density mammal populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan L. Thomas
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological SciencesScience and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
| | - Lynn Baker
- Canines for WildlifeBrierfieldNSWAustralia
| | - James R. Beattie
- Research School of Astronomy and AstrophysicsAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Andrew M. Baker
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological SciencesScience and Engineering FacultyQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQldAustralia
- Biodiversity ProgramQueensland MuseumSouth BrisbaneQldAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Horowitz A, Franks B. What smells? Gauging attention to olfaction in canine cognition research. Anim Cogn 2019; 23:11-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-019-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
|
36
|
DeMatteo KE, Davenport B, Wilson LE. Back to the basics with conservation detection dogs: fundamentals for success. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen E. DeMatteo
- K. E. DeMatteo (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9115-6857) ✉ , Dept of Biology and Environmental Studies, Washington Univ. in St. Louis, 1 Brookings Drive, Box 1137, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899, USA, and: WildCare Inst. at the Sai
| | - Barbara Davenport
- B. Davenport, PackLeader Dog Training LLC, Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Petersen WJ, Savini T, Steinmetz R, Ngoprasert D. Periodic resource scarcity and potential for interspecific competition influences distribution of small carnivores in a seasonally dry tropical forest fragment. Mamm Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
38
|
No evidence for detrimental effect of chemical castration on working ability in Swiss military dogs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
39
|
Hayes J, McGreevy P, Forbes S, Laing G, Stuetz R. Critical review of dog detection and the influences of physiology, training, and analytical methodologies. Talanta 2018; 185:499-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
40
|
Rhoden CM, Orange JP, Tanner EP, Baxley DL, Morgan JJ, Robinson BA. Factors influencing hunter flush success of three small game species. WILDLIFE SOC B 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cody M. Rhoden
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort KY 40601 USA
| | - Jeremy P. Orange
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort KY 40601 USA
| | - Evan P. Tanner
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management; Oklahoma State University; Stillwater OK 74078 USA
| | - Danna L. Baxley
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort KY 40601 USA
| | - John J. Morgan
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort KY 40601 USA
| | - Ben A. Robinson
- Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; #1 Sportsman's Lane Frankfort KY 40601 USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Glen AS, Veltman CJ. Search strategies for conservation detection dogs. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair S. Glen
- A. S. Glen , Manaaki Whenna— Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auc
| | - Clare J. Veltman
- C. J. Veltman, Dept of Conservation, c/o Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research, Palmerston North, New Z
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Glen AS, Russell JC, Veltman CJ, Fewster RM. I smell a rat! Estimating effective sweep width for searches using wildlife-detector dogs. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr18021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Dogs are often used to find rare or cryptic species, but search methods are not standardised, making it difficult to interpret and compare results. Standardised approaches are needed to optimise search effectiveness and/or efficiency. Designing an optimal search strategy requires knowledge of the effective sweep width, which is related to the probability of detection (POD) at various distances between the searcher and the search object.
Aims
Our primary aim was to estimate effective sweep width for wildlife-detector dogs searching for rodents. We also tested whether dogs differed in their reaction on encountering a laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus) or a wild-caught Norway rat (wild-type R. norvegicus).
Methods
We conducted field trials using trained rodent-detector dogs to locate dead laboratory rats. We used the numbers of detections and non-detections at distances of 0–100 m to estimate detection probability and effective sweep width.
Key results
Dog teams located 100% of rats (regardless of strain) placed directly in their search path. POD declined rapidly with an increasing distance, yielding an observed detection rate of 33% at 10 m, and close to zero at ≥20 m. The data were best described by an exponential decay function. Effective sweep width was estimated to be 16.8 m (95% confidence interval 12.3–21.4 m), corresponding to a strip extending 8.4 m on either side of a walked track. Handlers could not consistently judge whether a dog had encountered a laboratory rat or a wild rat.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that when dogs are >10 m from a source of rat odour, POD declines sharply. We estimate that the effective distance explored when searching for a stationary rodent is 8.4 m either side of the search path.
Implications
This information will allow users to optimise the search pattern that dog teams should follow for a given search scenario.
Collapse
|
43
|
Ramsey DSL, Barclay C, Campbell CD, Dewar E, MacDonald AJ, Modave E, Quasim S, Sarre SD. Detecting rare carnivores using scats: Implications for monitoring a fox incursion into Tasmania. Ecol Evol 2017; 8:732-743. [PMID: 29321909 PMCID: PMC5756840 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect the incursion of an invasive species or destroy the last individuals during an eradication program are some of the most difficult aspects of invasive species management. The presence of foxes in Tasmania is a contentious issue with recent structured monitoring efforts, involving collection of carnivore scats and testing for fox DNA, failing to detect any evidence of foxes. Understanding the likelihood that monitoring efforts would detect fox presence, given at least one is present, is therefore critical for understanding the role of scat monitoring for informing the response to an incursion. We undertook trials to estimate the probability of fox scat detection through monitoring by scat‐detector dogs and person searches and used this information to critically evaluate the power of scat monitoring efforts for detecting foxes in the Tasmanian landscape. The probability of detecting a single scat present in a 1‐km2 survey unit was highest for scat‐detector dogs searches (0.053) compared with person searches (x¯≅0.015) for each 10 km of search effort. Simulation of the power of recent scat monitoring efforts undertaken in Tasmania from 2011 to 2015 suggested that single foxes would have to be present in at least 20 different locations or fox breeding groups present in at least six different locations, in order to be detected with a high level of confidence (>0.80). We have shown that highly structured detection trials can provide managers with the quantitative tools needed to make judgments about the power of large‐scale scat monitoring programs. Results suggest that a fox population, if present in Tasmania, could remain undetected by a large‐scale, structured scat monitoring program. Therefore, it is likely that other forms of surveillance, in conjunction with scat monitoring, will be necessary to demonstrate that foxes are absent from Tasmania with high confidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S L Ramsey
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Arthur Rylah Institute Heidelberg VIC Australia.,School of Biological Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - Candida Barclay
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Invasive Species Branch Prospect TAS Australia
| | - Catriona D Campbell
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Elise Dewar
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Anna J MacDonald
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Elodie Modave
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Sumaiya Quasim
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| | - Stephen D Sarre
- Institute for Applied Ecology University of Canberra Canberra ACT 2617 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
|
45
|
Johnen D, Heuwieser W, Fischer-Tenhagen C. An approach to identify bias in scent detection dog testing. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
46
|
Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. Hughes
- Centre for Integrative Conservation; Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Menglun Jinghong 666303 China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Beebe SC, Howell TJ, Bennett PC. Using Scent Detection Dogs in Conservation Settings: A Review of Scientific Literature Regarding Their Selection. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:96. [PMID: 27840815 PMCID: PMC5083854 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Beebe
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Tiffani J. Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| | - Pauleen C. Bennett
- Anthrozoology Research Group, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Scat detection dogs, DNA and species distribution modelling reveal a diminutive geographical range for the Vulnerable small red brocket deer Mazama bororo. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605316000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe small red brocket deer Mazama bororo is endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a biome that has been greatly fragmented and altered by human activities. This elusive species is morphologically similar to the red brocket deer Mazama americana and the Brazilian dwarf brocket deer Mazama nana, and genetic typing is necessary for reliable identification. To determine the geographical range of M. bororo more accurately, we conducted non-invasive genetic sampling using scat detection dogs trained to locate deer faeces. We surveyed 46 protected areas located within the species’ potential distribution and collected a total of 555 scat samples in 30 of the protected areas. Using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism approach, we genotyped 497 scat samples (89%) and detected M. bororo in seven localities in three Brazilian states. The results support a range extension of the small red brocket deer to latitudes 23 and 28°S and longitudes 47 and 49°W. We show that the species’ distribution is associated with 37,517 km2 of the Ombrophilous Dense Forest in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and this conclusion is supported by species distribution modelling. The small red brocket deer is the largest endemic species in Brazil and may have the smallest geographical distribution of any Neotropical deer species. This species occupies fragmented landscapes and is threatened by human encroachment, poaching, and predation by dogs, and based on our findings we recommend policy intervention for conservation planning of the Ombrophilous Dense Forest.
Collapse
|
49
|
Fuller AK, Sutherland CS, Royle JA, Hare MP. Estimating population density and connectivity of American mink using spatial capture-recapture. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 26:1125-35. [PMID: 27509753 DOI: 10.1890/15-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Estimating the abundance or density of populations is fundamental to the conservation and management of species, and as landscapes become more fragmented, maintaining landscape connectivity has become one of the most important challenges for biodiversity conservation. Yet these two issues have never been formally integrated together in a model that simultaneously models abundance while accounting for connectivity of a landscape. We demonstrate an application of using capture-recapture to develop a model of animal density using a least-cost path model for individual encounter probability that accounts for non-Euclidean connectivity in a highly structured network. We utilized scat detection dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) as a means of collecting non-invasive genetic samples of American mink (Neovison vison) individuals and used spatial capture-recapture models (SCR) to gain inferences about mink population density and connectivity. Density of mink was not constant across the landscape, but rather increased with increasing distance from city, town, or village centers, and mink activity was associated with water. The SCR model allowed us to estimate the density and spatial distribution of individuals across a 388 km² area. The model was used to investigate patterns of space usage and to evaluate covariate effects on encounter probabilities, including differences between sexes. This study provides an application of capture-recapture models based on ecological distance, allowing us to directly estimate landscape connectivity. This approach should be widely applicable to provide simultaneous direct estimates of density, space usage, and landscape connectivity for many species.
Collapse
|
50
|
Chambers CL, Vojta CD, Mering ED, Davenport B. Efficacy of scent-detection dogs for locating bat roosts in trees and snags. WILDLIFE SOC B 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol L. Chambers
- School of Forestry; Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff AZ 86011 USA
| | - Christina D. Vojta
- Landscape Conservation Initiative; Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff AZ 86011 USA
| | | | - Barbara Davenport
- PackLeader Dog Training LLC; 14401 Crews Road KPN Gig Harbor WA 98329 USA
| |
Collapse
|