The critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid (Thelymitra adorata) may be elusive, but a collaboration between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program is aiming to change that.
An Australian first trial has successfully trained scent detection dogs to locate the rare orchids, sniffing out underground tubers in a minimally invasive way.
Using their remarkable sense of smell, talented spaniels Paddy, Sully and Vera are leading the innovative conservation effort.
In collaboration with On The Scent and The Good Dog, the clever canines were specially trained to detect orchid tubers without relying on the short flowering period when the plants are usually visible.
This enables Council to monitor the population of orchids and detect new locations not previously known to be important habitats.
Senior Regional Biodiversity Conservation Officer for the Saving our Species program Paul Hillier said detection dogs could revolutionise how threatened species are monitored.
“This method will allow year-round surveys and help us better plan conservation efforts, such as targeted burns to encourage orchid growth,” he said.
“The project not only enhances Council’s ability to manage and protect threatened orchid habitats but also demonstrates the potential to replicate this method for other cryptic species in the future.”
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the project plays a crucial role in threat monitoring and biodiversity conservation.
“The Central Coast is internationally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for this unique orchid species which has been recorded in the region,” McKinna said.
“By harnessing the unique abilities of these trained dogs, we’re ensuring the critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid has a fighting chance.
“Our community can be proud of the role we’re playing to protect the unique environment we all love on the Central Coast.”
To see more photos of the ‘paw-some’ dogs, search ‘clever canines’ at centralcoast.nsw.com.au
Be the first to comment on "Clever canines help save endangered orchid"