Zookeeper's Scat Detection Dog Works to Save Cheetahs

Assistant curator Chris Bartos’ rescued border collie, Finn, is the first ever scat detection dog at the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) in Namibia. Finn is trained to sniff out cheetah scat (poop) in order to track the cats’ movements. Data collected is ultimately used to inform cheetah conservation strategies. Several years ago, Bartos traveled with Finn to Africa, where she helped CCF staff learn how to work with the dog to search for and indicate scat.

Thanks to funding from the Jonathan Gilmour Memorial Scholarship Fund, Bartos is now in Namibia to check in on Finn, work on training plans for CCF's new dogs, and work with staff. We’ve asked her to send along notes from the field as she works alongside these dogs in the fight to save the wild cheetah. Stay tuned for more!

Notes from the Field

December 17, 2016

Today is my last full day here at CCF and I'm enjoying every minute that I'm here. Trying to wrap up some of my training plans for the dogs, doing as many things as I can fit in, and of course enjoying the CHEETAHS - like these two ambassadors that were raised from tiny cubs. CCF is an amazing place full of dedicated people who work endlessly to help save the wild cheetah. I'm so glad to be a part of it!

-Chris

December 13, 2016

Staying busy here at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia. I have mainly been working with the dogs- both the scat dogs and the livestock guarding dogs like Firat here. I gave a presentation to the interns and staff on scat detection dogs and will be doing a training seminar tomorrow. I got to watch a couple of cheetah runs, help with daily feeding, go on game counts and night anti- poaching patrols. Saw some interesting species such as aardwolves, genets, gemsbok, red hartebeest, bat eared foxes and mongoose. Still lots more to see and do!!

-Chris

December 7, 2016

“Been busy so far evaluating the dogs and helping work on training plans for them. Great to see Finn again! He's looking good for an old man (almost 10). We're back to walking around the property again. Nothing like walking on the trails and watching the wildlife around you. Went on a game count this evening - lots of fun! Saw one of the black rhinos, which is an unusual occurrence. Saw lots of Kori bustards, steenbok and even a tiny jackal pup. Will be going on a night drive on Friday and hope to see porcupines!”

-Chris