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The Desert Research Institute seeks qualified K9 handlers to participate in phase II of the Desert Tortoise K9 Program (DTK9 Program). This research program is developing and evaluating the potential use of dogs to survey for Federally listed threatened desert tortoises. The first phase of the DTK9 Program was completed in December 2004
(www.dri.edu/Home/Features/text/1204_dogs.html). Phase II will
involve training selected working dog teams to find and alert on desert tortoises in their native Mojave Desert, California. Data will be collected on the tortoises which will ultimately benefit desert tortoise conservation.
The research involves three sub-phases involving DTK9s: initial scent training, conditional certification, and field deployment. DTK9 Dog Teams are paid positions and both dogs and handlers must meet or exceed certain criteria to be considered for the program. Dogs and their handlers selected for the program will be the first (conditionally) certified DTK9s recognized by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of California, and the Department of Defense. These dog teams will become founding DTK9 Strike Teams and will participate in groundbreaking research that may serve tremendous
benefit to desert tortoise conservation.
All research involving the Federally listed threatened desert tortoise is conducted under the auspices of federal and state permits held by the Principal Investigators. Dog handlers will not be permitted to handle tortoises. Please review the "Program Details" page and "Qualifications" page for information on how to apply. Priority will be given to applications received by Thursday, June 30th.
For More Information Contact:
Dr. Mary Cablk
Desert Research Institute
Reno, NV 89512
Phone: 775-673-7371
E-mail: mcablk@dri.edu
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