Detection dog Reid wins award for saving Scottish seabirds
Reid awarded for vital role in protecting Scottish seabird colonies
A detection dog dedicated to saving seabirds will receive a prestigious award for his significant contribution to conservation. Reid, a six-year-old springer spaniel, collaborates with his handler, Rachel Cripps, to detect invasive rodents threatening seabird colonies on the Scottish Islands.
His efforts to protect at-risk seabirds like Atlantic puffins, great skuas, and Leach’s storm petrels have earned him the Animal of the Year award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the BAFTA in London.
In 2021, NatureScot examined 11 seabird species and discovered that the number of breeding seabirds in Scotland has nearly halved since the 1980s. Reid’s mission includes safeguarding 38 seabird islands around Scotland, such as Bass Rock, which hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of Northern Gannets, and St Kilda, home to the UK’s largest Puffin colony.
Rats are a significant threat to these birds, potentially devastating seabird populations by preying on eggs, chicks, and occasionally adult birds. Rachel stated, “Rats are hugely problematic. If a single pregnant rat reaches an island, the population could explode to 300 within eight months. Rats can also swim between islands, covering distances up to two kilometres.”
Reid assists in swiftly locating rodents by detecting their scent, nests, or droppings. He also inspects high-risk cargo, such as animal feed or bedding, destined for the islands to prevent stowaways.
Rachel began working with Reid after her first detection dog, Max, a pyrotechnic detection dog, was traumatised by a firecracker at a football stadium. Max was retrained to detect red squirrels, aiding a programme monitoring the spread of squirrel pox in a woodland reserve. This experience sparked Rachel’s interest in handling conservation detection dogs, leading her to train Reid.
Reid’s skills now extend to detecting invasive rodents, and he participates in school outreach programs. During these visits, children interact with Reid and engage in a game to find hidden rats in cargo. The outreach has been well-received, raising awareness about wildlife conservation. Upon receiving the award, Rachel expressed her pride in Reid, noting his hard work and the challenging boat journeys he endures. She hopes this achievement highlights the vital role dogs can play in conservation.
Matt Collis of IFAW remarked, “We’ve seen canines as therapy dogs, sniffer dogs, and in the field detecting poachers and injured wildlife. Reid is unique, employing a preventative approach to protect seabirds on the Scottish Isles. He’s a remarkable dog, and I’m delighted he’s receiving the IFAW Animal of the Year Award.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Reid and what does he do?
Reid is a six-year-old springer spaniel detection dog who helps detect invasive rodents threatening seabird colonies on Scottish Islands.
What award did Reid receive?
Reid received the Animal of the Year award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at the BAFTA in London.
Why are rats a threat to seabirds?
Rats prey on seabird eggs, chicks, and sometimes adult birds, which can devastate seabird populations.
What inspired Rachel to train Reid?
Rachel’s interest in conservation detection dogs began after retraining her first detection dog, Max, to detect red squirrels.
How does Reid contribute to conservation awareness?
Reid participates in school outreach programs, where children interact with him and learn about wildlife conservation through engaging activities.
