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Utilization of Conservation Dogs at the Cheetah Conservation Fund

CCF Dog Trainer, Adam Bean, with scat detection dogs, Finn & Isha.

Since 2006, I have been working on a project with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) which will utilize scent detection dogs to collect fecal samples for the genetic characterization of cheetah populations in areas of known low cheetah density in Namibia, Africa (e.g Damara land or Caprivi).  Using dogs for conservation research is a relatively new technique.  Over the past decade, organizations have started using this method as a means of data collection producing beneficial results.  Being used primarily in North America, past projects with carnivores include black bear, grizzly bear, kit fox, wolf and cougar scat detection.   One of the main benefits of scat detection dogs is they are able to find samples in areas with very low densities.  This is of particular interest since little is known about the populations of cheetah living in areas where they are rarely sighted but known to exist.  With this research, valuable information will be obtained on cheetahs of a wild population which has not been studied until this point due to the low density of animals living in that area.

Genetic analysis of fecal samples identified by the detection dogs provides information on animal numbers, demographics, sex ratios, and kinship of wild cheetah.  This type of behavioral information is important in formulating successful conservation strategies.  I will use my behavioral knowledge in the management of the scent detection dogs as well as with the analysis of genetic data. 

Detection dogs are proving to be a vital tool for a conservationist.  The non-invasive method of using detection dogs to obtain fecal samples allows for the study of truly wild species in their natural habitat.  I will use an innovative approach combining scat detection dogs and molecular tools to implement genetic research on the wild cheetah allowing CCF to maintain their ideology for peaceful human-carnivore interactions as well as developing techniques that could be adapted to the study of other species.

 Links:
Cheetah Conservation Fund - Census Methodologies
Working Dogs for Conservation
Conservation Canines
Conservation Dogs - UK 

Some background information I used to help write the initial proposal & research grants:

• Smith, D.A., et al (2003). Detection and accuracy rates of dogs trained to find scats of San Joaquin kit foxes. Animal Conservation. 6. 339-346
• Pearsall, M.D. & Verbruggen, H. (1982). Scent: training on track, search, and rescue. Loveland: Alpine Publications Inc.
• Wasser, S.K., et al (2004). Scat detection dogs in wildlife research and management: application to grizzly and black bears in the Yellowhead Ecosystem, Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 82. 475-492
• Davenport, B. (1984). Canine training program manual, narcotic. Steilacoon, WA. Hurt, A. (2000) Training dogs to distinguish between black bear (Ursus americanus) and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) feces. Project IBSCORE. University of Montana, MT.
• Snowdon, C. T. (1997). Significance of Animal Behaviour Research. http://www.csun.edu/~vcpsy00h/valueofa.htm (accessed May 2007).
• Birmelin, I. (2006) How Dogs Think. Munich, Germany: GRÄFE UND UNZER VERLAG GmbH.
• Frogle, B. (2006) Eyewitness Companions: Dogs. New York, New York: DK.
• Whitten et al (1998). Recent advances in noninvasive techniques to monitor hormone-behavior interactions. Yearbook of Physical Anthropology. 41. 1-23
• Emmons, H. (2004) Man’s best friend proves useful in detecting threatened wildlife. DRI Newsletter. Fall 2004