Learn how our dedicated detection dog team is safeguarding cheetahs while supplying invaluable data to our research and National Survey teams!
Why Use Canines
PRECISION SEARCHING
Dogs play an essential role in detecting various materials, and in our unique case, they are specially trained to sniff out cheetah scat. With up to 300 million olfactory receptors—depending on the breed—compared to just 5 million in humans, dogs have a remarkable sense of smell. Additionally, the part of their brain dedicated to processing scents is approximately 40 times larger than that of humans, making them incredibly effective at searching vast areas with precision. This exceptional ability allows us to gather critical data on cheetah populations and their habitats.
Using dogs to track down cheetah scat is a completely non-invasive method. By concentrating on the scat instead of the cheetahs, we acknowledge that the cheetahs might not be in the area. After collection, the scat can be analyzed for several aspects, such as DNA, prey preferences, and cheetah health. This technique enables us to obtain valuable information without ever having to observe or immobilize a cheetah.
NON-INVASIVE
Detection dogs have greatly improved our ability to support cheetah conservation efforts. They allow us to conduct cheetah population surveys more efficiently while minimizing man-hours. This method is more budget-friendly and provides further opportunities for staff development. Additionally, we have demonstrated the versatility of detection dogs in various situations, strengthening ACK's role in cheetah conservation across a wider range.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Tracking with Precision: The Science and Skill of Scat Dog Teams
Partners in Conservation: Scat Dogs and Their Handlers
Scat dogs are specially trained detection dogs used in wildlife conservation to locate feces (scat) from elusive animals like cheetahs. Their training focuses on scent discrimination, where dogs learn to identify and signal only on the scat of target species amidst a variety of natural scents. This work requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques that strengthen focus and precision.
The success of a scat dog program lies not only in the dog's skills but also in the powerful bond between the dog and handler. Trust, communication, and mutual understanding form the foundation of this partnership. The handler learns to read the dog’s body language and cues, while the dog relies on the handler for guidance and reward. This cohesive team dynamic allows them to work efficiently in challenging environments, covering large areas and collecting crucial data that supports cheetah conservation and broader ecosystem health.
Understanding Dog Body Language and Environmental Influences During Scat Searches
During scat searches, a detection dog’s body language offers crucial insight into their focus, scent detection, and changes in behavior that signal a nearby target. When working, a trained dog typically shows a shift in posture and intensity—moving from a general exploratory trot to a more focused, nose-down search. Handlers look for subtle cues such as a stiffened tail, quick head turns, changes in breathing, or sudden changes in pace, all of which may indicate the dog is on a scent trail.
When a dog successfully locates a target scat, it gives a trained indication—usually a passive alert such as sitting, lying down, or standing still directly at or near the scent source. This clear signal helps the handler document the find without disturbing the sample.
Environmental conditions significantly affect scent detection. Wind direction is especially important, as dogs often work crosswind to catch scent particles carried through the air. Weather such as rain can wash away or dilute scents, while temperature and humidity also play critical roles. Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity help scent linger and spread more evenly, making detection easier. In contrast, high heat can cause scent to rise and disperse quickly, while dry conditions may reduce scent availability.
Handlers must constantly interpret the dog’s behavior in the context of these environmental factors to support successful and efficient searches, ensuring both the well-being of the dog and the quality of the data collected.
Recording the parameters before the search.
Scat Dog Grid Searches and Grid Types
Scat dog grid searches are systematic methods used to locate animal scat within a defined area, maximizing search efficiency and data reliability. During these searches, dog-handler teams follow a predetermined path across the landscape, ensuring thorough coverage and minimizing missed samples.
Several types of grid patterns can be used, depending on the terrain, research goals, and target species:
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Transect Grids: Straight, evenly spaced lines across an area, commonly used in open or semi-open habitats. They provide structured coverage and are ideal for broad-scale surveys.
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Square or Rectangular Grids: The area is divided into smaller sections, with the team covering each systematically. This method is useful in both flat and varied terrain where detailed coverage is needed.
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Adaptive Grids: These are flexible patterns adjusted to terrain features, habitat types, or known wildlife corridors. They allow targeted searches in high-probability zones while maintaining systematic effort.
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Zigzag or Serpentine Patterns: Often used in dense vegetation or uneven ground, this method allows thorough coverage when straight lines are impractical.
Each grid type is selected based on study objectives, habitat complexity, and logistical factors, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of the dog-handler team’s capabilities in locating wildlife scat.
Checking the GPS before the search.
Here is an example of a transect grid search pattern. The straight line pattern is the search pattern, and the irregular lines are the dog tracks during the searches, which took place over two different days.