Conservation efforts are evolving with new and innovative approaches. One of our most exciting tools is the Naturschutzhunde, or “conservation dogs”. These specially trained dogs are helping us protect nature and endangered species, playing a vital role in our conservation projects. Their incredible sense of smell makes them indispensable partners in our mission to preserve biodiversity.
Dogs have long served as valuable companions, but their roles have expanded far beyond traditional uses like hunting or guarding. Today, dogs are involved in many fields, including law enforcement, rescue operations, and now, conservation. Over the last 30 years, they have become essential in research and environmental protection projects, including the LIFEApollo2020 project and the Verein NATURSCHUTZHUNDE.
What Are Naturschutzhunde?
Naturschutzhunde are detection dogs trained to find specific wildlife or environmental clues. These dogs can detect traces of elusive or rare species through clues like droppings, nests, feathers, or seeds. For example, they can identify the presence of wolves, helping to inform herding protection measures. They also help track species like lynxes, golden jackals, and wildcats, assisting conservationists in learning more about their distribution.
Here, Naturschutzhunde have become key members of our team, helping us monitor and protect endangered species. These dogs allow us to gather accurate data efficiently while minimizing human disturbance in sensitive areas.
Training the Dogs
Training a Naturschutzhund is a complex process. These dogs learn to detect species-specific markers like larvae, droppings, or nests. Once trained, they can cover large areas quickly and with great accuracy, detecting traces of wildlife that are invisible to the human eye.
The training, based on positive reinforcement, teaches dogs to recognize specific scents and clearly indicate them to their handlers. Suitable candidates for this work are physically fit dogs that enjoy using their noses and can work long hours in challenging terrain. This certification process ensures that the dogs meet high standards before they begin working in the field.
The Role of Naturschutzhunde in the LIFEApollo2020 Project
In the LIFEapollo2020 project, we rely on Naturschutzhunde to monitor and protect Apollo butterfly populations in Austria. This initiative aims to restore the butterfly’s populations across Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The dogs play a critical role in these monitoring efforts across 15 regions in Austria.
How Naturschutzhunde Help:
- Finding Larvae: Our dogs are trained to locate Apollo larvae in Sedum-rich areas, which are often difficult to reach. The dogs’ ability to detect larvae is essential to our work.
- Accessing Remote Areas: Many of the Apollo’s habitats are located in mountainous regions that are hard for humans to access. Naturschutzhunde help us cover these areas more effectively than human teams alone.
Achievements So Far
Thanks to Naturschutzhunde, we were able to detect Apollo butterfly larvae in several of the 15 areas we surveyed in 2023 and 2024. This has allowed us to protect key regions where butterfly populations remain active.
Naturschutzhunde have proven to be highly effective in various other conservation tasks as well. For instance, they are employed to locate the carcasses of birds and bats near wind turbines, helping us assess the impact of wind farms on protected species. Their superior sense of smell allows them to detect smaller remains in less time than humans.
Researching rare and hidden species often presents challenges, as direct observation is difficult. Scientists typically rely on indirect evidence like droppings, hair, or remains of prey. Naturschutzhunde are excellent at locating these traces, working much faster and more accurately than human researchers. Several of our dog-handler teams are already engaged in scientific projects, further advancing conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Naturschutzhunde have become vital partners in our mission to protect endangered species. Their work in the LIFEapollo2020 project highlights how effective they are in helping safeguard wildlife and fragile ecosystems. As we look to the future, we are confident that these conservation dogs will continue to play an essential role in preserving Austria’s—and Europe’s—natural heritage.
In a world where the connection between humans and nature is more critical than ever, Naturschutzhunde are helping bridge that gap. Their unique abilities allow them to protect endangered species while fostering a deeper bond between humans and the natural world
