Sniffing out conservation success stories

The Wood Turtle Project – with its focus on population demography, habitat use, nesting success, and other variables important to understanding and protecting this species – partnered with Lindsay Ware of Science Dogs of New England to explore whether a scent detection dog can be trained to successfully track and locate a highly cryptic and difficult to find species such as the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta). Just as the pandemic started Lindsay acquired a puppy named Chili, whose energetic temperament and abilities suggested she had great potential to become a search dog capable of locating this challenging species. Teaming up with researchers meant approaching the art of training with an added layer of rigorous documentation and testing of process and progress. This approach has allowed us to combine our perspectives and learn even more from this important case study. Our experiences have also inspired us to start work creating a Center for Wildlife Studies course on the practical issues, considerations, and benefits of using tracking dogs in conservation.

Read about current CWS course offerings

Read more at the Portland Press Herald