Predator detection dogs are a method of locating invasive predators that threaten New Zealand’s endemic species. We assessed the feasibility of a community-based detector dog programme for Pest Free Upper Hutt. We observed and interviewed expert dog handlers and trainers, surveyed Upper Hutt dog owners and PFUH coordinators, and created a short film to motivate and inform the public about detector dogs. Experts informed us of difficulties the programme may encounter. We created a “good fit” classification for potential handlers based on dog age, time, and money. We found there is a considerable amount of interest and support, however, only 9 of 140 respondents were a “good fit.” We provided alternatives to detector dog handling to respondents that were not a “good fit.”

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Petschek, Eva
• Cochran, Matt
• Gonthier, Natalie
• Galvin, Holly

Subject

• Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Community

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 90686
• E-project-030223-204539

Keyword

• dog
• invasive species
• Pest detection
• Detector Dog
• predator
• film

Advisor

• Bhada, Shamsnaz Virani
• Miller, Fabienne

Year

• 2023

Center

• Wellington, New Zealand Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Professor Fabienne Miller
• Professor Shamsnaz Bhada

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 15 - Life On Land
• 17 - Partnerships for the Goals

Date created

• 2023-03-02

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Source

• E-project-030223-204539

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-05-03