Showcasing Conservation Projects
This is the stuff that our dogs smell! We're proud to brag that their highly-capable wet noses have assisted in a variety of incredible conservation projects over the years. They're always ready to smell new stuff (target odors), so if you're wondering, "Can the dogs locate_______ by scent?," give us a shout and let's talk about the remarkable power of our Canine Finders' noses.
BUMBLE BEE NESTS
Project Goals:
Locate bumble bee nests to assist researchers studying habitat preferences and colony behavior, and ideally locate the federally-endangered Rusty Patched bumble bee
Assigned Canine Finders:
Ernie, Betty White, Bronty, Willow, Holly, and Jesse
Photos courtesy of Mike Nessman & Mary Mowbray
NEW ZEALAND MUDSNAIL
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Project Goals:
Determine the best use of dogs for early detection efforts of New Zealand mudsnail
Assigned Canine Finders:
Ernie, Betty White, Alva & Harriet
Photo courtesy of Wisconsin DNR
HELENIUM VIRGINICUM
Project Goals:
Assist botanists and land managers to locate the population in the state of Indiana, where it is a state-threatened species
Assigned Canine Finder:
Willow
Photos courtesy of U.S. Forest Service, Steve Croy
BIRD & BAT MORTALITY
Project Goals:
Utilize Finder-Keeper teams to locate bird and bat carcasses at wind farms
Assigned Canine Finders:
Willow & Jesse
WOOD TURTLE
Project Goals:
Utilize Finder-Keeper teams to assist with turtle monitoring efforts
Assigned Canine Finder:
Ernie
Photos © Conservation Dogs Collective
EASTERN BOX TURTLE
Project Goals:
Located eastern box turtles to assist researchers with monitoring efforts
Assigned Canine Finder:
Willow
Photos © Bethany (Avilla) Richendollar
GYPSY MOTH
Project Goals:
Pilot study to determine efficacy of dogs detecting egg masses (they can!)
Assigned Canine Finder:
Ernie
WILD PARSNIP ROSETTES
Project Goals:
Locate rosettes in early spring to assist with early detection and eradication efforts
Assigned Canine Finder:
Ernie
Photo courtesy of Hannah Stonehouse Hudson
BLUE-SPOTTED SALAMANDERS
Project Goals:
Utilize Finder-Keeper teams to assist with reintroduction of salamanders on the Mequon Nature Preserve property
Assigned Canine Finder:
Ernie
Can our dogs help with your project?
We’re happy to discuss the PAWsabilities with you today.