One of Australia’s leading researchers in koala conservation is a dog. But Bear is no ordinary pup. He’s a selfless hero with rare detection skills that are crucial to protecting the iconic species. Bear’s mission began during the 2019 bushfires. The unprecedented blaze resulted in the loss of human life, decimated over one billion mammals, reptiles, and birds, and killed a third of the koala population. The koalas that escaped sought safety high up in the treetops. But this placed them at further risk as they were harder to find and rescue. That’s where Bear came in.
With his keen senses and limitless energy, Bear got to work scouring the forests for surviving koalas. Not only was he able to track down animals based on the scent of their faeces, but also their fur. When Bear sensed a koala nearby, he would lie still to alert his handler. One of the koalas Bear found weighed a mere two kilograms and had burns on all four paws. Another was pregnant, emaciated, and on the brink of death. Yet another was alone in an area so burnt that no survivors were expected to be found. But thanks to Bear’s relentless tracking, these koalas were rescued, rehabilitated, and released back into the wild.
While combining the ruins of a wildfire in search of survivors can be distressing for people, it’s where dogs can harness their innate skills. Bear is a border collie-Koolie cross, a breed known for their intelligence, but also their high energy levels. Without adequate stimulation and care, these dogs can become depressed and destructive, and are often surrendered to dog pounds by owners who don’t know how to handle them. Fortunately for Bear, he was destined to fulfil his purpose.
The rescue pup was trained by the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Detection Dogs for Conservation team, in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. After graduating, Bear found over 100 displaced and injured koalas. In between bushfire seasons, this USC x IFAW detection dog continues to be an expert in the field of koala conservation. Alongside three furry peers, Bear is helping map koala habitats and supplementing information about koala genetics and diseases. His findings are contributing to the sustained future of one of Australia’s most beloved species. But for this good boy, it’s all in a day’s work.
Footage from the University of the Sunshine Coast and International Fund for Animal Welfare was used in the creation of this film.
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