They are more than just dogs; they are highly skilled ecological tools and beloved team members, committed to providing precise, non-invasive data that directly supports wildlife management, ecological research, and reintroduction programs. Our conservation detection dogs are trained specialists, crucial for biodiversity protection and environmental monitoring.
Together, our canine specialists form an indispensable asset to modern conservation efforts. Their unparalleled olfactory abilities, combined with rigorous conservation dog training and the strong bond with their human handlers, allow us to access data and achieve outcomes that are often impossible with traditional methods alone. We are proud to work hand-in-paw to protect biodiversity and advance ecological understanding across various wildlife conservation projects
Hera
Background: Born on March 13, 2015, Hera’s journey began on the streets of Lisbon. Rescued as a puppy by SOS Abandonados, her spirited energy and initial behavioral challenges nearly prevented her from finding a forever home, leading her to live in a shelter until the age of two. In 2017, she found her true calling and forever family with us, transforming into the world-class scent detection canine she is today. Her resilience and journey from a street dog to a “rockstar” detection dog are truly inspiring, embodying the power of rescue dogs in conservation.
Specialization & Target Odors: Hera is a highly versatile and tenacious conservation detection dog, best known as the “Grasshopper Dog” for her exceptional work with these elusive insects. Her impressive list of detected odors highlights her crucial role in wildlife monitoring and ecological surveys, including:
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Scats for genetic and population studies: Iberian Wolf, Italian Wolf, Ocellated Lizard, European Badger, Brown Bear, Little Bustard, Malaysian Tiger, Clouded Leopard, Polecat, Iberian Lynx.
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Live individuals for tracking and conservation programs: Plain-Crau Grasshopper, Green Turtle, Little Bustard, Mediterranean Tortoise, French Stone Grasshopper.
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Nests for reintroduction and protection efforts: Green Turtle and Little Bustard.
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Carcasses for mortality studies and environmental impact assessments.
Experience & Achievements: Since 2017, Hera has been an indispensable force, consistently delivering critical ecological data across a remarkable array of conservation projects spanning diverse and challenging global landscapes. From the sun-drenched beaches of Greece, where she contributed to vital marine conservation efforts, to the soaring high mountains of the Pyrenees and the rugged terrain of Portugal’s own mountains, Hera has demonstrated unparalleled adaptability in species monitoring. Her work has taken her deep into the lush rainforests of Malaysia for crucial tropical ecosystem surveys, across the dry, semi-arid Mediterranean steppe landscape, and on significant assignments in Italy, reinforcing her role in broader European conservation.
Her legendary success as the “Grasshopper Dog” further highlights her unique and impactful contributions. Hera’s extensive dedication, proven adaptability, and vast fieldwork experience truly exemplify the transformative potential of specialized detection dog training in achieving significant wildlife conservation impacts on a global scale, making her a true veteran in her field.
Zeus
Background: Zeus’s remarkable journey began in February 2010. At just 10 months old, a lively mutt weighing 26 kg, he was found roaming the streets of the Portuguese Capital and was rescued by Focinhos & Bigodes. His abundant, joyful energy made him a shelter favorite. Yet, despite his awesome look, a forever home eluded him until Grupo Lobo, in a pivotal collaboration with Conservation Canines, discovered his profound potential. Zeus embraced his destiny as a conservation detection dog, blazing a trail as the first of his kind in Portugal upon his adoption into Grupo Lobo. His story was a powerful testament to finding purpose in unique talents, fundamentally shaping the landscape of canine conservation in the nation.
Zeus was a pioneering detection dog with a precise focus on key species vital for ecological monitoring:
Scats (Genetic & Population Analysis): Iberian Wolf, Italian Wolf, Ocellated Lizard, Brown Bear.
Live Individuals (Tracking & Conservation): Plain-Crau Grasshopper.
Bianca
Background: Born in October 2010 on the streets of Sintra, Portugal, Bianca, a lively mutt, was initially adopted as a puppy. However, due to a health issue on her owner’s part, she sadly had to be surrendered to Focinhos & Bigodes. It was there that her remarkable, extreme motivation to play was discovered—a trait that made her an ideal candidate for integration into wolf surveys. Her natural drive was effectively channeled into specialized conservation detection, with her primary expertise focused on Iberian Wolf scat. After her invaluable contributions to these vital surveys, her kind nature and spirited energy quickly won the hearts of a loving family, and she was adopted to enjoy a life filled with belly rubs, active walks, and fetch sessions.
Bianca’s exceptional play drive was effectively channeled into specialized conservation detection, making her a highly focused and reliable partner for ecological research. Her primary expertise lies in olfactory detection with a specific focus on:
Scats for Ecological Research: Iberian Wolf.
While her precise Iberian Wolf scat detection was crucial for ecological monitoring, Bianca is equally recognized for her good energy and kindness to people and her vital role in community outreach. She proudly participated in educational talks at schools, where she demonstrated her skills and interacted with children, bringing wildlife education to a new generation. Bianca truly embodies the positive spirit of a conservation detection dog, demonstrating how natural instincts can lead to significant contributions in wildlife management and public engagement.
Olivia
Background: Olivia’s journey began as a young puppy, found on the streets of Spain alongside her brother, Poppey. A compassionate individual provided initial care, but it was Olivia’s distinct aptitude that truly stood out. While Poppey gravitated towards hunting, Olivia displayed remarkable potential as a conservation detection dog. Following a swift evaluation and focused training period with Dogs for Nature, she seamlessly integrated into the Trencas team. It was there she discovered her highly specialized role as a Mediterranean Tortoise detection dog, a crucial asset in wildlife conservation efforts.
Olivia’s keen senses are precisely tuned for ecological detection, with her primary focus on key species:
Live Individuals for Conservation & Monitoring: Mediterranean Tortoise. Her exceptional ability to locate these often elusive reptiles makes her invaluable for population surveys, habitat management, and reintroduction programs.
Scats for Genetic & Dietary Analysis: Iberian Wolf.