Two certified rodent detection dogs traversing the Mokohinau Islands and Rakitū set off on May 26 to ensure not a single rodent is present.
This annual surveillance exercise is part of the Department of Conservation and Auckland Council’s ongoing monitoring of these precious predator-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
Adeline Bosman, DOC ranger and dog handler, says that conservation dogs are trained and certified for a specific target, in this case rodents, as each type of mammalian predator requires a different approach to catch.
“Pru is smelling for rodent odours, including dead or alive animals, and other traces such as faeces, urine and ground scent.
“When Pru detects her target scent, her behaviour changes noticeably. She initially freezes and looks at me, then becomes very animated,” says Adeline.
“As a…
