Kimihia (Kimi), the fox terrier, is in training to be a rodent detection dog.
She may look cute, but Kimi the fox terrier has a serious role in protecting New Zealand’s unique ecosystems. The Country’s Kem Ormond finds out more.
The name Kimihia, gifted by iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and meaning to hunt, search, or seek, is perfectly suited to this spirited, extremely cute, fox terrier.
In training with the Conservation Dogs Programme, run by the Department of Conservation (DoC), Kimihia (known as Kimi) is preparing for a vital role as a rodent detection dog.
Her mission will be to help protect the Hauraki Gulf islands from invasive rats and mice, safeguarding some of NZ’s most precious and protected species.
Under the guidance of her handler, biodiversity ranger Colleen Birch, Kimi will eventually replace Birch’s current conservation dog, Prue, who has served for seven years.
Birch is no novice when it comes to handling dogs.
She grew up on a Whanganui farm and has worked with dogs throughout her career, including at the Ministry for Primary Industries’ kennels and as a senior quarantine officer and dog handler at the Auckland International Airport and NZ Post’s Auckland Processing Centre.
Training a conservation dog is a rigorous process that can take two years.
Until fully certified, Kimi will not be permitted on pest-free islands.
Conservation dogs live with their handlers, and now that Kimi has outgrown her puppy stage, her real work has begun.
Recently, she completed her first boat trip to Motutapu Island, an essential skill as boats are the only way to access these islands.
It came as second nature to her, and she passed with flying colours, although she will experience many more trips during her training.
There are more than 120 conservation dogs in NZ.
This includes about 80 pest detection dogs and about 45 protected species detection dogs.
DoC employs eight dog handlers, supported by contractors.
Terriers and spaniels are typically trained for rodent detection, while pointers and setters assist with species protection.
While Kimi is purpose-bred, her parents were also conservation dogs; others may come from working dog backgrounds.
Birch works closely with another DoC handler in her region and maintains strong ties with the Auckland Council’s dog team.
Together, they conduct regular surveillance of islands, particularly those closest to the mainland, which are most vulnerable to swimming stoats and rats, as well as human visitors.
Every item transported to the islands, such as vehicles, boats, building materials, and personal gear, must be thoroughly checked.
On busy days, up to 200 people may cross to the islands, requiring dogs like Prue (and eventually Kimi) to inspect bags, equipment, boats and even clothing.
“During training, Kimi will learn to detect rodent scat,” Birch said.
“Each dog is trained for a single pest species due to the unique methods required for eradication.
Birch said that, while conservation dogs were invaluable in maintaining pest-free sanctuaries, visitors also played a critical role.
“Before travelling, all gear should be inspected for stowaway pests, boots cleaned of soil and seeds, and food stored in rodent-proof containers.
“Open bags are prohibited; everything must be sealed and secure.
“Plus, visitors must remember their dogs are not permitted on our pest-free islands.”
Many islands off the coast of NZ are now free of animal pests.
These islands, such as Kāpiti in the Wellington region and Motuara in Marlborough, offer the chance to see and hear rare native birds in the wild.
DoC’s partnership with Air NZ means conservation dogs are transported nationwide at no cost.
This enables them to respond quickly to potential threats.