Conservation detection dogs were originally developed in the mid-to-late 1990s, making them a relatively recent addition to conservation teams.
These pioneering dogs were trained using similar techniques to those used in narcotics detection, locating endangered or threatened animals by scenting their fecal matter. The conservation detection dog has been used to help protect a wide array of animals covering sea, land and air – ranging from orcas on the edge of Vancouver Island, to spotted owls, Iberian wolves and giant armadillos on land masses around the world.
In Africa, teams are training conservation detection dogs to pursue poachers who illegally hunt some of the world’s most iconic creatures. These dogs are another useful weapon available to those who seek to protect the welfare of rare, treasured animals.
As with dogs trained for other skills, there isn’t a single breed best suited to becoming a conservation detection dog. It depends primarily on their characteristics, drive, and dependability. A rigorous training program can determine if a dog is well-suited to becoming a conservation detection dog.
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