1
|
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
|
2
|
Mallikarjun A, Charendoff I, Moore MB, Wilson C, Nguyen E, Hendrzak AJ, Poulson J, Gibison M, Otto CM. Assessing Different Chronic Wasting Disease Training Aids for Use with Detection Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:300. [PMID: 38254469 PMCID: PMC10812555 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly infectious, fatal prion disease that affects cervid species. One promising method for CWD surveillance is the use of detection dog-handler teams wherein dogs are trained on the volatile organic compound signature of CWD fecal matter. However, using fecal matter from CWD-positive deer poses a biohazard risk; CWD prions can bind to soil particles and remain infectious in contaminated areas for extended periods of time, and it is very difficult to decontaminate the affected areas. One solution is to use noninfectious training aids that can replicate the odor of fecal matter from CWD-positive and CWD-negative deer and are safe to use in the environment. Trained CWD detection dogs' sensitivity and specificity for different training aid materials (cotton, GetXent tubes, and polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS) incubated with fecal matter from CWD-positive and CWD-negative deer at two different temperatures (21 °C and 37 °C) for three different lengths of time (6 h, 24 h, and 48 h) were evaluated. Cotton incubated at 21 °C for 24 h was identified as the best aid for CWD based on the dogs' performance and practical needs for training aid creation. Implications for CWD detection training and for training aid selection in general are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amritha Mallikarjun
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Ila Charendoff
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Madison B. Moore
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Clara Wilson
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Elizabeth Nguyen
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Abigail J. Hendrzak
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Jean Poulson
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Michelle Gibison
- Wildlife Futures Program, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA;
| | - Cynthia M. Otto
- Penn Vet Working Dog Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA (M.B.M.); (C.W.); (E.N.); (A.J.H.); (J.P.); (C.M.O.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mallikarjun A, Swartz B, Kane SA, Gibison M, Wilson I, Collins A, Moore MB, Charendoff I, Ellis J, Murphy LA, Nichols T, Otto CM. Canine detection of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in laboratory and field settings. Prion 2023; 17:16-28. [PMID: 36740856 PMCID: PMC9904315 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2023.2169519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy that affects both free-ranging and farmed cervid species, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, and elk (Odocoileus hemionus, Odocoileus virginianus, and Cervus canadensis). Due to the long incubation period and variability of clinical signs, CWD can expand and spread to new areas before they reach diagnostically detectable levels. Antemortem testing methods currently available can be difficult to obtain and to be applied to the large numbers required for adequate surveillance. However, key volatile biomarkers could be harnessed for non-invasive antemortem surveillance. Detection dogs are the most effective tool currently available for volatile detection; dogs can effectively complete wildlife surveys at rates surpassing that of humans. This study is the first to demonstrate that trained detection dogs can be used as an antemortem test for CWD. First, we trained three dogs to differentiate between CWD-positive and CWD-negative white-tailed deer faeces in a laboratory setting. Dogs spent significantly more time at the positive sample than the negative samples, suggesting that they differentiated between the positive and negative volatile signatures. We then trained the same dogs to search for CWD-positive faecal samples in a more naturalistic field setting. In the field, dogs found 8/11 CWD-positive samples and had an average false detection rate of 13%. These results suggest that dogs can be trained to differentiate CWD-positive faeces from CWD-negative faeces in both laboratory and field settings. Future studies will compare canine accuracy to other antemortem methods, as well as improved canine training methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amritha Mallikarjun
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA,CONTACT Amritha Mallikarjun School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Ben Swartz
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Sarah A. Kane
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Gibison
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Futures Program, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Isabella Wilson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Amanda Collins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Madison B. Moore
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Ila Charendoff
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Julie Ellis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Futures Program, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Lisa A. Murphy
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Futures Program, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Nichols
- United States Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C, WA, USA
| | - Cynthia M. Otto
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Penn Vet Working Dog Center, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA,School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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
|
5
|
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]
|
6
|
Foster RJ, Harmsen BJ. Dietary similarity among jaguars (Panthera onca) in a high-density population. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274891. [PMID: 36215244 PMCID: PMC9550027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prey remains found in carnivore scats provide generalised dietary profiles of sampled populations. The profile may be biased if individual diets differ and some individuals are over- or under-represented in the sample. Quantifying individual contributions allows us to recognise these potential biases and better interpret generalised profiles. Knowing the dietary differences or similarity between individuals can help us to understand selection pressures and identify drivers of distribution and abundance. Using the results of individual faecal genotyping, we re-interpreted our previously-published generalised dietary profile of an elusive, neotropical felid, the jaguar (Panthera onca; Foster et al. (2010)). We quantified individual sample sizes, assessed whether the generalised profile was influenced by the inclusion of scats originating from the same individual and prey carcass (pseudo-replication), and quantified the distribution of prey species among individuals. From an original sample of 322 jaguar scats from a high-density jaguar population in Belize, we identified 206 prey items (individual prey animals) in 176 independent scats representing 32 jaguars (26 males, 3 females, 3 unknown sex). The influence of pseudo-replication in the original dietary profile was minimal. The majority of scats (94%) came from male jaguars. Eight males accounted for two-thirds of the prey items, while 24 jaguars each contributed <5% of the prey items. With few exceptions, the jaguars followed the same broad diet, a 2:1:1 ratio of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus noveminctus), other vertebrates ≤10kg, and ungulates, primarily peccaries (Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu). We noted prey switching between wild and domestic ungulates for individuals spanning protected forests and farmland. This first scat-based study exploring individual variation in jaguar diet highlights the importance of armadillos and peccaries for male jaguars in Belize, the need for research on their roles in supporting high-density jaguar populations, and the need for more data on female diet from across the jaguar range.
Collapse
|
7
|
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]
|
8
|
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
|
9
|
van Rees CB, Hand BK, Carter SC, Bargeron C, Cline TJ, Daniel W, Ferrante JA, Gaddis K, Hunter ME, Jarnevich CS, McGeoch MA, Morisette JT, Neilson ME, Roy HE, Rozance MA, Sepulveda A, Wallace RD, Whited D, Wilcox T, Kimball JS, Luikart G. A framework to integrate innovations in invasion science for proactive management. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1712-1735. [PMID: 35451197 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge are essential to keeping pace with growing impacts of invasions under climate change. Although the rapid development of diverse technologies and approaches has produced tools with the potential to greatly accelerate invasion research and management, innovation has far outpaced implementation and coordination. Technological and methodological syntheses are urgently needed to close the growing implementation gap and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and synergy among evolving disciplines. A broad review is necessary to demonstrate the utility and relevance of work in diverse fields to generate actionable science for the ongoing invasion crisis. Here, we review such advances in relevant fields including remote sensing, epidemiology, big data analytics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, genomics, and others, and present a generalized framework for distilling existing and emerging data into products for proactive IAS research and management. This integrated workflow provides a pathway for scientists and practitioners in diverse disciplines to contribute to applied invasion biology in a coordinated, synergistic, and scalable manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles B van Rees
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Brian K Hand
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Sean C Carter
- Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, University of Montana, ISB 415, Missoula, MT, 59812, U.S.A
| | - Chuck Bargeron
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia, 4601 Research Way, Tifton, GA, 31793, U.S.A
| | - Timothy J Cline
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 2327 University Way STE 2, Bozeman MT 59717 & 320 Grinnel Drive, West Glacier, MT, 59936, U.S.A
| | - Wesley Daniel
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Jason A Ferrante
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Keith Gaddis
- NASA Biological Diversity and Ecological Forecasting Programs, 300 E St. SW, Washington, DC, 20546, U.S.A
| | - Margaret E Hunter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Catherine S Jarnevich
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Avenue Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO, 80526, U.S.A
| | - Melodie A McGeoch
- Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T Morisette
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - Matthew E Neilson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL, 32653, U.S.A
| | - Helen E Roy
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, MacLean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, OX10 8BB, U.K
| | - Mary Ann Rozance
- Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, University of Washington, Box 355674, Seattle, WA, 98195, U.S.A
| | - Adam Sepulveda
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - Rebekah D Wallace
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, University of Georgia, 4601 Research Way, Tifton, GA, 31793, U.S.A
| | - Diane Whited
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| | - Taylor Wilcox
- U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station, 26 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, 59804, MT, U.S.A
| | - John S Kimball
- Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, University of Montana, ISB 415, Missoula, MT, 59812, U.S.A
| | - Gordon Luikart
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, 32125 Bio Station Lane, Polson, MT, 59860, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bennett E, Jamieson LT, Florent SN, Gill N, Hauser C, Cristescu R. Detection dogs provide a powerful method for conservation surveys. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
Merz L, Kshirsagar AR, Rafaliarison RR, Rajaonarivelo T, Farris ZJ, Randriana Z, Valenta K. Wildlife predation by dogs in Madagascar. Biotropica 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Merz
- Department of Geography University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| | | | | | - Tsiky Rajaonarivelo
- Mad Dog Initiative Akanin’ny Veterinera Akaikiniarivo Antananarivo Madagascar
| | - Zach J. Farris
- Department of Health and Exercise Science Appalachian State University Boone North Carolina USA
| | - Zoavina Randriana
- Mad Dog Initiative Akanin’ny Veterinera Akaikiniarivo Antananarivo Madagascar
| | - Kim Valenta
- Department of Anthropology University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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
|
13
|
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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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
|
14
|
Reynolds MH, Johnson KN, Schvaneveldt ER, Dewey DL, Uyehara KJ, Hess SC. Efficacy of detection canines for avian botulism surveillance and mitigation. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle H. Reynolds
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center Hawaii National Park Hawaii USA
| | | | - Eleni R. Schvaneveldt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center Hawaii National Park Hawaii USA
| | - Daniel L. Dewey
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex Kīlauea Hawaii USA
| | - Kimberly J. Uyehara
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex Kīlauea Hawaii USA
| | - Steven C. Hess
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center Hawaii National Park Hawaii USA
- USDA‐APHIS‐WS National Wildlife Research Center Hilo HI USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Grimm‐Seyfarth A, Harms W, Berger A. Detection dogs in nature conservation: A database on their world‐wide deployment with a review on breeds used and their performance compared to other methods. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Grimm‐Seyfarth
- Department of Conservation Biology UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig Germany
- Wildlife Detection Dogs e.V Neunkirchen Germany
| | - Wiebke Harms
- Department of Conservation Biology UFZ – Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig Germany
- Wildlife Detection Dogs e.V Neunkirchen Germany
| | - Anne Berger
- Wildlife Detection Dogs e.V Neunkirchen Germany
- Department Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz‐Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Needs S, Bennett E, Mao B, Hauser CE. Do detection dogs respond differently to dried, frozen and live plant targets? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
17
|
Baker CM, Bode M. Recent advances of quantitative modeling to support invasive species eradication on islands. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Baker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Data Science, The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rosell F, Kniha D, Haviar M. Dogs can scent-match individual Eurasian beavers from their anal gland secretion. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Rosell
- F. Rosell , D. Kniha M. Haviar, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Dept of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Univ. of South-Eastern Norway, NO-3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - David Kniha
- F. Rosell , D. Kniha M. Haviar, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Dept of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Univ. of South-Eastern Norway, NO-3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
| | - Milan Haviar
- F. Rosell , D. Kniha M. Haviar, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Dept of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Univ. of South-Eastern Norway, NO-3800 Bø i Telemark, Norway
| |
Collapse
|