This project will improve management of threatened species by increasing capability of detection dogs to detect Phytophthora cinnamomi in complex, 'real world’ soil in both controlled & field settings.

Project goals

1) Improve capability of already trained detection dogs for finding P. cinnamomi in-situ

2) Deliver on-ground results for the active management of P. cinnamomi through mapping and subsequent containment of the threat and/or asset protection for the threatened species at identified sites

3) establish dogs as a ‘tool’ for threatened species managers to use in future, including through media and science communication

Scope

We require a skilled conservation detection dog team or individual, with experience working with Phytophthora cinnamomi as a target scent. The trainer/s will advance the efficacy of conservation dogs to detect Phytophthora cinnamomi in complex soil profiles in both controlled and field settings.

The trainers must be willing to travel to Sydney for field work