Overview

The Small Whorled Pogonia (Isotria medeoloides) is a federally threatened and state-endangered orchid, nearly impossible to locate due to its size, fragility, and habit of staying underground for years. From 2022–2024, the Conservation Dogs Program pioneered a pilot project in New Jersey to train detection dogs to locate Isotria using scent alone, marking the first known use of this method for rare plant detection in the region.

👉 Read the story: Conservation Dogs Sniff Out Endangered Orchids

Key Goals

• Test the feasibility of using detection dogs for orchid surveys
• Develop safe scent training protocols for sensitive plant species
• Identify potential new Isotria locations and confirm historic ones
• Inform future conservation and habitat modeling efforts

Why Dogs?

Unlike traditional methods requiring visual confirmation, detection dogs can find dormant or hidden orchids using scent, increasing efficiency and minimizing disturbance. This novel approach opens the door to new methods for surveying rare and cryptic plant species.

Project Highlights

• 2 dog-handler teams trained using odor collected from live Isotria
• 71 hours of scent training completed
• 49 hours spent in the field
• 3 properties surveyed in New Jersey
• 4 canine alerts at locations outside of known populations
• Training aids included Getxent tubes and field-collected scent samples

Innovation in Action

• Devised a scent collection method using candle sleeves and fishing line to safely harvest odor from live orchids without contact
• Developed best practices for in-situ training and survey safety
• Collaborated with NJ Natural Heritage and NJ Natural Lands Trust
• Influenced future rare plant detection protocols across agencies