Study Overview:

K9inSCENTive assisted the wildlife biologists at Yosemite National Park in establishing their own western pond turtle detection dog teams.  Through k9inSCENTive, trainer Lauralea assisted in acquiring and training three search dogs to detect live Actinemys marmorata while also discriminating from other native, or invasive, reptile species. Lauralea also worked with the biologists at the park teaching them how to effectively handle their scent detection dogs in the field. In the long-term, Lauralea provides ongoing training and quality control services for the Yosemite scent dog teams.

Efficient detection of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) can inform and focus conservation efforts for this vulnerable, native species. Applying scent detection dogs to survey for wildlife gives a more comprehensive understanding of the target species’ population and ecology than other methods, such as human visual searches. The results of a systematic survey of planned habitat restoration areas in Ackerson Meadow, ahead of any heavy machine work, indicated the presence or absence of any brumating western pond turtles so that they could be avoided during restoration work. Scent detection dogs increased confidence that no individuals were missed preceding planned restoration efforts.