Dogs train for conservation, biosecurity missions on UH research vessel
Dog handlers Lisa and Kyoko, rat Junior, dog Guinness, and Captain David Martin at the UH Marine Center. Photo courtesy of Conservation Dogs of Hawai'i (Credit: Tor Johnson).
The University of Hawai‘i (UH) research vessel Kilo Moana had some unusual visitors recently. Canine trainees and their handlers from Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i boarded the docked vessel at the UH Marine Center to test and hone their skills as search teams to aid conservation and biosecurity missions.
The dogs and their trainers were practicing using scent to seek out pet rats, brought on board to simulate search efforts that would ensure incoming cargo is free from invasive species, such as rodents or insects. In the small spaces and steep stairways of the R/V Kilo Moana, the teams were challenged in an environment unlike other training locations.
“The variety of conditions we encountered was really educational for us and the dogs,” said Kyoko Johnson, trainer and founder of Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i. “The engine room and pantry are humid, for example, and the electrical room and other areas provided an opportunity to practice navigating tight spaces.”
Having previously been a dog trainer, Johnson got involved in working with dogs for ecological purposes when she was hired to work at a wind farm on the North Shore of O‘ahu to detect bat and bird carcasses. As she learned more about scent detection and observed the dogs’ love for doing this type of work, she expanded the application of this approach.
Johnson, other trainers, and the dogs have since conducted missions to find invasive species like devil weed or endangered seabird nests in high elevation sites.
“In the future, we’d like to collaborate with state or federal agencies on biosecurity to prevent invasive species from going to Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument or the Pacific Remote Islands,” said Johnson. “When ships and planes visit sensitive ecosystems, our dogs can do thorough inspections to ensure they aren’t introducing harmful species, such as yellow crazy ants, an invasive ant that sprays formic acid and can hurt bird chicks. Prevention of an infestation is more straightforward and significantly less expensive than eradication.”
The trainers with Conservation Dogs of Hawai‘i continue to train their dogs to prepare for a variety of field surveys.
“The UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology is dedicated to serving our local communities through innovative and creative ideas to promote the sustainability of our native species,” said Anita L. Lopez, director of research vessel operations at the UH Marine Center. “Utilizing canines in the detection and elimination of invasive species onboard vessels allows the prevention of transferring these species into very sensitive and critical habitats both inter-island and on remote islands across the Pacific. It was a true pleasure to work with and provide a training platform for this team of talented individuals and animals that are on the frontline of protecting our Hawaiian ecosystems.”
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