These Conservation Canines Have What It Takes to Locate Endangered Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs
Scent detection dogs hold the potential to advance conservation goals across San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Southwest Conservation Hub by helping to assess the presence or absence of endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs in habitats where they have been reintroduced, during population surveys. So, what does it take to create a successful San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance canine detection team? Two of the biggest challenges are the rugged terrain and seasonal temperature fluctuations in the mountainous streams and lakes that are the native habitats for mountain yellow-legged frogs.
Meet the Team
In the small canine conservation category, our chihuahua mix Bighetti weighs just about 10 pounds. His smaller size makes him well suited for being carried in a specially designed backpack. Bighetti’s backpack helps him conserve his energy for searching streambeds, and comes in handy when he and his human companion need to scale mountainous terrain with waterfalls. Like most chihuahuas, Bighetti prefers warm sunny days when searching for frogs, and would rather stay home nestled in a blanket on colder winter days.
In the medium canine category, we have two English cocker spaniels, Cooper and Cali, and a rescued miniature pinscher mix named Mr. Pickles. These three each weigh between 15 and 25 pounds—making them small enough to fit into tight spaces and be easily lifted over boulders and fallen trees by their human companions, but tough enough to navigate terrestrial environments, participate in longer searches, and join our field conservationists during winter months. While these three are similar in size, they each differ in search strategy. Cooper and Cali tend to cover an area quickly and slow down only when they encounter their target odor. Mr. Pickles, on the other hand, prefers a slower, more relaxed search style, but comes alive when he detects the scent of a nearby mountain yellow-legged frog. Each of their styles complement one another, and together they make an incredible team.
The largest frog dogs are Luna, a rescued “village dog,” and Tilly, an Australian working-dog mix. Luna and Tilly each weigh about 40 pounds, and both have a high degree of athleticism. They enjoy long searches across a variety of landscapes, terrain, and seasons. Like Mr. Pickles, Luna’s style is slow and methodical, allowing her human companion to easily follow along with her—even in more complex environments. On the other hand, Tilly is a large-area searcher; she likes to work in large circles, looping inward until she closes in on the target.
What Makes a Great Frog Detection Dog?
Most dogs learn to sniff out a target odor, and there is not one particular breed, age, or sex that is most appropriate for every job. However, not every dog is cut out to be a conservation canine. They each have different learning styles, communication preferences, and individual preferences. Some of the characteristics we look for when considering a dog for scent detection include passion for the game, dedication to the pursuit, and a level of independence that allows them to problem-solve in the field. Our current frog dogs include canines of various sizes, personalities, and search styles. Together, we make a great team, helping reintroduced endangered mountain yellow-legged frogs thrive in their native Southern California habitats. Learn more about how frog dogs become conservation heroes HERE.
Michelle Curtis is a senior research associate in recovery ecology at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Meet the Frog Dogs: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Stories
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species and preserving habitats. One of the species they are working to protect is the endangered amphibian, the California red-legged frog. This species is threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has developed a unique program to help protect the California red-legged frog. They are using a team of highly trained “Frog Dogs” to locate and capture the frogs in their natural habitat. The “Frog Dogs” are specially trained Border Collies that are able to locate and capture the frogs without causing any harm.
The “Frog Dogs” have been trained to locate the frogs by their distinctive croaking sound. Once located, the dogs gently capture the frogs, which are then taken to the San Diego Zoo for safekeeping. The frogs are then monitored, studied, and released back into the wild when the conditions are suitable for their survival.
The “Frog Dogs” have been a great success and have helped the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to save hundreds of frogs. The program has also helped to raise awareness of the plight of the California red-legged frog and the importance of protecting their habitat.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is continuing to work to protect the California red-legged frog and other endangered species. They are also working to educate the public about the importance of conservation and protecting our environment.
The Benefits of the Frog Dog Program
The “Frog Dogs” program has been beneficial in a number of ways. First, it has helped to increase the population of the California red-legged frog. The dogs have been able to locate and capture the frogs in their natural habitat, which has helped to increase the population of this endangered species.
Second, the program has helped to raise awareness of the plight of the California red-legged frog. By bringing attention to this species and its plight, the program has helped to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.
Third, the “Frog Dogs” program has helped to provide a safe and humane way to capture and relocate the frogs. The dogs are gentle and do not cause any harm to the frogs, which ensures that the frogs are not harmed in the process.
Finally, the program has helped to provide a source of income for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The program has helped to generate funds that are used to support the organization’s conservation efforts.
The Future of the Frog Dog Program
The “Frog Dogs” program has been a great success and has helped to save hundreds of frogs. The program is continuing to grow and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working to expand the program to other areas. They are also working to educate the public about the importance of conservation and protecting our environment.
The “Frog Dogs” program is an example of how innovative and creative solutions can be used to help protect endangered species and their habitats. It is a great example of how organizations like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are working to make a difference in the world.
