World’s First Canine Conservationist Outperforms Skilled Scientists to Detect World’s Rarest Fungus

Some stories must be retold, especially when they aren’t well known. In May 2024, the scientific world of botanists was flabbergasted at the prowess of a wildlife detection dog named Daisy. Daisy outclassed and outperformed highly skilled humans by detecting a critically endangered fungus crucial for study. In doing so, Daisy became the world’s first canine conservationist, specializing in detecting a critically endangered fungus. This remarkable partnership between humans and hounds is revolutionizing the way scientists approach fungal conservation.

The Challenge of Fungal Conservation

Often overlooked in conservation efforts, Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystems. However, many species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. One such species is Hypocreopsis amplectens, a rare Australian fungus known as “tea-tree fingers.” Its small size, cryptic nature, and low population density make it incredibly difficult to detect and monitor.

Adopting a more novel solution to the problem, scientists from Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) joined forces with handlers from Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Detection Dog Squad to sniff out the rare fungus. The answer was daisy!

Enter Daisy, The Four-Legged Scientist

Daisy is a highly trained Lagotto Romagnolo with a keen sense of smell. She can detect the subtle scent of the fungus, even in dense vegetation. This ability allows her to locate the fungus more efficiently than human surveyors, saving time and effort.

Zoos Victoria’s wildlife detection dogs, including Daisy, undergo rigorous training using positive reinforcement. They are taught to associate the scent of the target species with rewards. While some dogs prefer toys, Daisy thrives on praise, play, and treats. During her training, she quickly learned that detecting tea-tree fingers meant snacks, pats, and cuddles—a combination that kept her motivated and eager to work.

The Italian Water Dog (Lagotto Romagnolo)

The Lagotto Romagnolo, or Italian water dog, is famed for its exceptional nose. Once used as water retrievers, they became experts at sniffing out truffles buried underground. Today, their keen scent-detection skills are used in scientific research, helping locate endangered species and invasive plants and even detect diseases, showcasing their versatility and value beyond their culinary roots.

The Experiment

To evaluate Daisy’s effectiveness, scientists conducted a series of experiments. They strategically placed a known number of H. amplicons specimens in various locations, including dense vegetation and areas with other scents, to mimic real-world conditions. They then compared Daisy’s detection rates with those of human surveyors, ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation of her abilities.

Daisy’s Superior Performance

The results were impressive. Daisy consistently outperformed human surveyors, detecting a higher proportion of outplanted specimens and doing so more quickly. She also had a lower rate of false negatives, meaning she was less likely to miss a target.

Sniffing out the TTF mycoparasite is no easy task, as its sporting body carries the scent of its host fungus, creating a challenge for Daisy. However, Daisy’s sharp nose and focus overcame this hurdle. When she catches the fungus’s scent, her excitement is unmistakable—her tail wags, her bum wiggles, and her sniffing rate quickens as she zeroes in on the target. Once confident, she sits with a big grin, signaling her find. Beyond her nose, Daisy excels in fragile habitats, moving delicately through dense vegetation without causing damage and maintaining her focus, undistracted by wildlife.

A New Era of Fungal Conservation

Daisy’s success has significant implications for fungal conservation. By using dogs like her, scientists can more efficiently locate and monitor threatened fungal species, leading to better conservation strategies and a deeper understanding of these vital organisms. This could potentially lead to the preservation of entire ecosystems that rely on these fungi, thereby contributing to the overall health of our planet.

The Future of Canine Conservationists

As climate change and habitat loss continue to threaten fungal diversity, the role of canine conservationists is becoming increasingly important. By harnessing the power of these remarkable animals, we can ensure the survival of these often overlooked but essential organisms. Daisy’s groundbreaking work paves the way for a new era of canine conservation, where dogs like her will play a crucial role in protecting our planet’s biodiversity.