What can wildlife-detection dogs offer for managing small mammalian predators?

Small mammalian predators can have low population densities, as well as cryptic and highly mobile behaviours, making these species challenging to manage. Monitoring tools such as camera traps, hair traps and footprint tracking devices can help detect cryptic species, but they require an animal to approach and, in most cases, interact with a device. They also have limited capacity to help capture animals. Wildlife-detection dogs can detect a wide range of species with a similar or higher efficiency than do other methods, partly because they are much less dependent on volitional decisions of target animals to interact with devices. By following scent trails, dogs can track down animals that actively avoid capture or detection. Dog-handler teams also have another advantage, namely, the handler can mount a rapid management response to capture or remove animals as soon as they are detected. We review ways in which dog-handler teams can contribute to active management of small mammalian predators by combining the dogs' ability to detect animals with their handlers' ability to mount a rapid response. Wildlife-detection dogs are a fast, efficient tool for detecting animals, animal sign, and wildlife diseases, but their potential is under-utilised. We explore how management outcomes can be improved by combining dogs' ability to detect targets with handlers' ability to mount a rapid response. Applications range from conserving endangered species to eradication of invasive species. Photograph by A. S. Glen.