MEDIA RELEASE 

The critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid (Thelymitra adorata) may be elusive, but a collaboration between Central Coast Council and the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program is aiming to change that.

An Australian first trial for this species has successfully trained scent detection dogs to locate these rare orchids by detecting underground tubers in a minimally invasive way.

Using their remarkable sense of smell, three talented Spaniels, Paddy, Sully and Vera, are leading this innovative conservation effort. In collaboration with On The Scent and The Good Dog, these clever canines were specially trained to detect orchid tubers without relying on the short flowering period when the plants are usually visible. This enables Council to monitor the population of orchids and detect new locations not previously known to be important habitats.

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna is supportive of the project and says it plays a crucial role in threat monitoring and biodiversity conservation.

“The Central Coast is internationally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot, particularly for this unique orchid species which has been recorded in the region," Mayor McKinna said.

"By harnessing the unique abilities of these trained dogs, we’re ensuring the critically endangered Wyong Sun Orchid has a fighting chance. 

“Our community can be proud of the role we’re playing to protect the unique environment we all love on the Central Coast."

Senior Regional Biodiversity Conservation Officer for the Saving our Species program, Paul Hillier, highlighted the transformative potential of this project.

“Detection dogs could revolutionise how we monitor threatened species. This method will allow year-round surveys and help us better plan conservation efforts, such as targeted burns to encourage orchid growth.” 

The project not only enhances Council’s ability to manage and protect threatened orchid habitats but also demonstrates the potential to replicate this method for other cryptic species in the future.

To see more photos of these ‘paw-some’ dogs, search ‘clever canines’ at centralcoast.nsw.com.au

ENDS

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Photo caption: (L-R) Philly Carruthers with dog Vera from On The Scent, and Mel Daly with dogs Paddy and Sully from The Good Dog.