As if we needed further proof that dogs are awesome, here’s a story about how specially trained dogs (and their sensitive noses) are helping conservationists study and protect endangered species in the wild.

According to an article on the CNN website, dogs are being trained to accompany researchers out into the field and help them identify the scents of endangered animals and their droppings.

Tracking droppings, also called scat, can tell researchers where endangered animals are living, how many of them are around, what they are eating, as well as parasite infection and overall health status.  This tracking is also much less stressful for the animals than trapping.

These conservation dogs have worked on many endangered animal studies, including ones for foxes, wolves, cougars, bobcats, otters, minks, ferrets, and more!  Some new training session are now focusing on teaching the dogs to track endangered lizards.

Interested in learning more?  Check out the website for the organization Working Dogs for Conservation.