The ability of scent detection canines to detect the presence of quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) veligers

Abstract

The expansion of invasive non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean is generating an increasing concern about biodiversity protection and human health, with European countries being solicited to apply early warning measures in such circumstances. The recent expansion of the hazardous fish Lagocephalus sceleratus in the Straits of Sicily, the subsequent actions adopted to manage the risk and the feedback received from the public are herein presented, as an example of the interaction between experts and the public in promoting scientific citizenship through an ad hoc action. A rapid increase in media reports related to L. sceleratus had been registered after the launch of the early warning campaign as part of a scientific and health risk communication strategy, and seven new records of this species have emerged shortly after. This study represents a useful contribution to the further bridging of the science-policy gap.

Linee Guida per il monitoraggio dei coleotteri saproxilici protetti in Europa

“…Un altro punto importante da tenere in considerazione è quali fattori aumentano il livello di fatica del cane e, di conseguenza, diminuiscono la sua affidabilità (DeShon et al 2016). Ad esempio, alberi lontani l'uno dall'altro, sottobosco molto denso, terreno ripido e temperature elevate o piogge estive possono costringere la coppia cane-conduttore a lavorare in condizioni non certo ottimali.…”

How low can they go: A comparison between dog (Canis familiaris) and environmental DNA detection of invasive koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus)

“…Faecal sample collection rates were four times higher using dogs than opportunistic methods. DeShon et al (2016) demonstrated that under controlled laboratory conditions, dogs could detect larvae of the invasive quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) at concentrations similar to those found in natural aquatic systems. Given dogs' ability to detect a wide variety of target scents, including highly cryptic species, they could also be used to detect incursions of invasive fish in water samples retrieved from the field.…”

Training of a dog for the monitoring of Osmoderma eremita

“…DeShon et al 2016). For example, trees can be distant from each other, the vegetation can be impervious and scheduled searches might need to be conducted under sub-optimum weather conditions (e.g.…”