Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ing sound field methods. In situations where high accuracy is important, time on site
is limited or when small birds or bats are the objective of the search then search
protocols which allow for the use of dogs should be considered as a better option
than human observers.
Research has shown that detection dogs which have undergone an extensive and
expensive training program can achieve 100 % detection in a variety of situations
and conditions (Paula et al.
2011
). It is likely that the costs associated with such
dogs may reduce their desirability and practicality for use in Australia. Observations
and field trials carried out both here and overseas, demonstrate that dogs that have
undergone a lower cost training regime are still able to offer high searcher effi-
ciency and reduced survey time compared to human searches (Homan et al.
2001
;
Arnett
2006
; Bennett
2011
; Reitan et al.
2011
). Using dogs is not without its own
issues and an understanding of the factors which can influence accuracy and effi-
ciency is essential when developing field methods. Methodology which recognises
the need to be flexible in the field is essential to maintain consistent accuracy. The
implications of variable methodology to mortality estimates has not been investi-
gated as part of this report, however, Huso (
2011
) highlights the importance of
detection accuracy and the strong impact this has on the accuracy of final mortality
estimates.
The use of dogs must also be considered in light of the factors which may influ-
ence their performance. Recognition and understanding by the handler of how
weather, topography, vegetation and the target carcass interact with survey meth-
ods is fundamental to the success of the survey. Survey methodology should be
developed with site specific attributes taken into consideration and survey tran-
sects should only be considered as a guide when using dogs as it is essential to
allow them the freedom to follow scents. This flexible survey methodology may
raise some concern with regulators and planners, however, monitoring programs
developed during the wind farms planning phase should be focussed on achieving
consistent accuracy in detection searches with a benchmark for detection rates
developed, rather then a prescriptive methodology which may be impractical
when in the field.
In summary, trained dogs are more accurate and efficient then human searchers
and as training costs do not need to be high, are an affordable alternative to humans.
The understanding of the handler on how environmental factors influence the dogs'
performance is essential for consistent detection rates. Field methods should be site
specific and not prescriptive. The use of dogs has clear advantages for detecting
small birds and bats, on steep and heavily vegetated sites, where high accuracy is
important, where threatened or endangered species are a concern, and at large sites
with large areas to survey. Regular detection trials are important for both maintain-
ing the dogs enthusiasm for the task and for monitoring accuracy. Formal monitor-
ing programs which look at quantifying the influence of environmental factors on
the dogs' accuracy and efficiency would be welcome in Australia.
