Scent detection dogs sniffing out a critically endangered orchid

Trying to save a species that’s hard to find is a problem many conservationists face. Imagine the challenge when a species spends most of its time lying dormant beneath the earth’s surface.

The critically endangered Wyong sun orchid (Thelymitra adorata) is one of these hidden species. It is hard to see unless it's flowering, which makes monitoring a difficult task.

Three clever canines (Paddy, Sully and Vera) are being trained to use their strong sense of smell to help find this orchid.

While the use of scent detection dogs is not new to conservation, this is the first time they have been used for Wyong sun orchid monitoring. It’s a trial that could mark the start of a game-changing method.

Hard-to-detect tubers

A tuber is a specialised plant stem that occurs underground, storing a lot of a plant’s nutrients. It exists in a type of hibernation mode.

During this ‘resting’ phase, you could walk right over a tuber and never know it. When conditions above ground are favourable, a tuber will sprout and push through the soil, producing a plant that conservationists can finally see.

However, for the Wyong sun orchid’s tubers, the right conditions for emerging include the presence of fire (much like humans in winter). Imagine how much easier monitoring would be if conservationists could detect this plant without having to wait for these conditions.

A less invasive, innovative method

Thanks to a partnership between Saving our Species and dog training organisations On the Scent and The Good Dog, the team are one ‘sniff’ closer to detecting this species while it is sleeping.

‘If successful, this method may enable a year-round survey window, give greater certainty of survey results and assist in planning conservation actions, such as targeting areas for controlled burns,’ said Paul Hillier, a senior regional conservation officer for Saving our Species.

‘Until now, the only way to find the Wyong sun orchid is by identifying the flower or leaf, whereas the dogs will attempt to find the plant by scenting the tubers under the ground in a minimally invasive way,’ said Mel, owner and dog trainer, The Good Dog.

This unique partnership is expanding opportunities to conserve this critically endangered species and, if successful, may provide the basis for detecting other cryptic species in the future.

‘Both The Good Dog and On the Scent believe that supporting threatened species conservation is important to ensure they remain and repopulate in their habitat for years to come and don’t become just another item added to the extinction list,’ said Philly, owner and dog trainer, On the Scent Canine Detection.

The project is also in collaboration with the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and Central Coast Council.

Start a conversation about conservation

Just like The Good Dog and On the Scent, your organisation can also help protect threatened species. Contact the Saving our Species Partnerships Team to explore your options.