Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Wildlife detection dogs: lessons learned and future potential in tropical Asia
Author(s)
O'Kelly, H.;Parker, M.
Published
2015
Publisher
Cambodian Journal of Natural History
Abstract
Due to their extremely powerful sense of smell, trained wildlife detection dogs can greatly increase the efficiency of field surveys in a range of contexts. Dogs can search large areas and difficult terrain more easily than human search teams and detect targets (i.e. animals or animal signs) that human observers may miss, thereby potentially alleviating sources of bias. Detection dogs can be used to rapidly and reliably establish species presence in certain scenarios and increase detection rates and therefore sample sizes. However, training and handling of such dogs is a specialised skill and the logistical and financial costs associated with deploying canine survey teams can be high compared to, for example, employing local field assistants. Nevertheless, there is ongoing interest in this method, and it is particularly appealing where rare and cryptic species are concerned and where acquiring an adequate samples size continues to be a challenge. We fi rst present several short case studies from Southeast Asia where detection dogs have been used in a limited way and with mixed success in terms of results. We then contrast this with a number of studies from other areas that demonstrate just how effective dogs can be in the right circumstances. We use these examples to formulate some general guidelines on when the use of detection dogs might be warranted and key factors that must be taken into account when considering this approach.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB15647