Dogs can be trained to locate the scat of specific species. Scat is a valuable research tool to study diet, genetics, and reproductive hormones and to estimate population. In August 2016, CCB initiated a program to assess the effectiveness of using locally bred Tswana dogs as scat detection dogs. The use of a scat dog is a viable alternative for calculating cheetah occupancy in unprotected lands that are largely remote and poorly accessible. Local mixed-breed dogs, commonly known as “Tswana dogs” are naturally well adapted to the local climate and terrain and they are known to be incredibly hardy. CCB is one of the first organizations in Southern Africa to promote the use of local dogs as scat detection dogs.
“Loeto”, a male Tswana dog, joined CCB at the Ghanzi camp at approximately six weeks of age. Loeto’s initial training involved basic obedience skills, and he has undergone subsequent advance training to specifically detect cheetah scat. He has so far undertaken 17 trial transects on three different farms in the Ghanzi District in varying conditions. This has allowed us to measure in what circumstances he performs well in and what situations (like high wind for example) affect his ability to detect scat accurately. The team of handlers have also conducted 21 discrimination tests, where Loeto was tested in his ability to discriminate between cheetah scat and that of similar carnivores like leopard and lion. We are very excited about Loeto’s progress so far. His skills in detection and ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Kalahari has the ability to show the world that our local dogs are not only capable but are highly effective when trained for this purpose. Scat detection dogs are widely used throughout Africa to detect the presence of rare species such as cheetah, and of animal parts in the fight against poaching. However, these dogs are often unobtainable and unaffordable for some organisations. Based upon Loeto’s success we hope that more NGOs take the initiative to train and employ local dogs for threatened species detection.
“Loeto”, a male Tswana dog, joined CCB at the Ghanzi camp at approximately six weeks of age. Loeto’s initial training involved basic obedience skills, and he has undergone subsequent advance training to specifically detect cheetah scat. He has so far undertaken 17 trial transects on three different farms in the Ghanzi District in varying conditions. This has allowed us to measure in what circumstances he performs well in and what situations (like high wind for example) affect his ability to detect scat accurately. The team of handlers have also conducted 21 discrimination tests, where Loeto was tested in his ability to discriminate between cheetah scat and that of similar carnivores like leopard and lion. We are very excited about Loeto’s progress so far. His skills in detection and ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Kalahari has the ability to show the world that our local dogs are not only capable but are highly effective when trained for this purpose. Scat detection dogs are widely used throughout Africa to detect the presence of rare species such as cheetah, and of animal parts in the fight against poaching. However, these dogs are often unobtainable and unaffordable for some organisations. Based upon Loeto’s success we hope that more NGOs take the initiative to train and employ local dogs for threatened species detection.
RSS Feed
