Pete Coppolillo of Working Dogs for Conservation joins the program to discuss how highly trained detection dogs are becoming one of the most effective tools in modern wildlife conservation. From tracking endangered species to detecting invasive plants and helping stop wildlife trafficking, these remarkable dogs are transforming the fight to protect ecosystems around the world.

In this episode, Pete explains how conservation dogs are trained to locate everything from animal scat and invasive species to illegal wildlife products and environmental contaminants. The conversation explores the growing role dogs play in combating wildlife crime, supporting scientific research, and helping conservation teams gather critical ecological data in places humans alone could never effectively search.

We also dive into the broader mission of Working Dogs for Conservation and how the bond between humans and dogs is being used in innovative ways to preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable species. Whether it's anti-poaching operations, endangered species monitoring, or invasive exotic detection, these canine conservation teams are proving to be invaluable allies for wildlife and the environment.

Learn more about Working Dogs for Conservation and their global conservation efforts here: