The detection and identification of tuatara and gecko scents by dogs

This study examined the ability of dogs (Canis familiaris) to detect the scent of tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), Marlborough green gecko (Naultinus manukanus), and forest gecko (Hoplodactylus granulatus). Tuatara and gecko are endemic New Zealand reptiles, and many of their populations are managed in the field for conservation reasons. This research aimed to assess the potential of detection dogs to be used for reptile conservation. Twenty dogs were recruited from 2 dog training clubs to participate in 2 studies: one using tuatara scents and the other using gecko scents. Within each study, the dogs' ability to detect scents was evaluated in a series of experiments which required them to identify a target scent. Target scents included human scent, tuatara and gecko scats (feces), sloughed skins, and paper towels on which captive reptiles had sat. The dogs identified human, tuatara, and gecko scents with average success rates of up to 97.8%, 97.8% and 86.7%. The dogs could detect fresh and old reptile scats and discriminate between different reptile scents. The detection successes were significantly higher than expected if the dogs were selecting scents at random. This research shows that dogs can detect tuatara and gecko scents and could be used in conservation work. Dogs may complement or provide an alternative to the visual methods currently used to locate these reptiles.