Sniffing out the stowaways
We’re more aware than ever of the need to protect our environment and avoid further climate change. Julie Hill reports on the dogs who are helping in that essential endeavour.
Tof British polar research, and it is a huge ship.This state-of-the-art vessel is 129 metres long and 24 metres wide, weighing in at 15,000 tonnes. It can stay at sea for 60 days, has a crew of 30, with accommodation for up to 60 scientists and support staff. Able he Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough is at the forefront to break through up to one-metre-thick ice, it can also launch and recover aerial and ocean robotic systems.
With many facilities never before seen on a British ship, the craft will allow scientists to study the ocean, sea floor, ice, and atmosphere, and carries with it the hope and expectations of many.
However, just one tiny mouse on board this vast vessel could scupper its vital mission. With such an array of hiding places for tiny creatures, finding vermin on board is like looking for a needle in a haystack, so how do you find them? Turn to another creature, of course, to sniff them out!
The Conservation K9 Consultancy dogs are helping to ensure South
Georgia is kept rodent-free.
A team of highly trained detection dogs and handlers stand between the cutting edge craft and potential ecological disaster.