On the field trip at the Tasmanian Community Landcare Conference 2023, I came across a very interesting weeding program in which Australia’s pioneer serrated tussock weed detection dog, Fonzie, sniffed weed flowers to identify them. In Tasmania, Orange Hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca subsp. aurantiaca) is also a big problem, so eradicating these weeds is a critical task.
"[Orange Hawkweed] poses a real threat to native alpine and subalpine vegetation, and is also capable of invading pasture. If left untreated, orange hawkweed can outcompete other grasses and herbs, eventually dominating local ecosystems" (City of Hobart, FACT SHEET: ORANGE HAWKWEED).
I was specifically impressed by the idea. It is sometimes hard for humans to identify specific weeds, which makes it difficult to control weeds in the local patch. I like the idea of collaborating with dogs to combat weeds. Everyone knows dogs are superior in sniffing, but training dogs as weed detectors would not be easy. Fonzie showed us his great competence in detecting weed scents.
This project reminds me of the Maremma Dogs at Middle Island Penguins Project (by Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network), in which dogs have been trained to guard the habitat for Little Penguins from foxes. One dog sniffs, and the other guards, which exemplifies the dogs' capability in native habitat conservation. The weed detector, Fonzie, also seemed very happy with his job.
Detailed story on this intriguing project can be found here.
Prossional sniffing dog (Oct 17, 2023)
A demonstration identifying the scent of weed flowers (Oct 17, 2023)
The vibrant atmosphere at the meeting point of the Field Trip (Oct 17, 2023)
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