Nature Nose is an applied research team dedicated to ethical wildlife conservation, ecological monitoring, and community-led environmental stewardship. Our work is guided by consultation and collaboration, working alongside Traditional Owners and communities through a Right-Way Science approach to deliver real, on-ground outcomes.
Our Team
JAYDA BRUCE
Lead Wildlife Scientist & Conservation Detection Dog Trainer/Handler
Jayda leads the scientific design and delivery of Nature Nose projects. With a Bachelor of Wildlife Science and specialising in conservation detection dog training, she integrates rigorous ecological methods with innovative scent detection approaches. , under the mentorship of Australia's leading dog trainer, Steve Austin.
SHERRY BRUCE
Project Manager & Community Engagement Lead
Sherry coordinates project delivery, partnerships, and community engagement. With a focus on education for sustainability, she leads Nature Nose’s outreach programs, connecting people of all ages to conservation through hands-on, meaningful experiences.
JARRAH
Jarrah, is a working-line English Springer Spaniel trained and handled by Jayda Bruce Jarrah is trained on multiple target scents, supporting a wide range of ecological monitoring and research applications.
TUNDRA
Tundra is a working line English Cocker Spaniel new to the team.
Our young dog Tundra has recently begun her scent detection journey, learning foundational skills that will support future conservation work alongside Jarrah.
WHY DETECTION DOGS FOR CONSERVATION
WITH SPECIALISED TRAINING,
CANINES ARE PIVOTAL FOR CONSERVATION WORK
Detection dogs can identify target scents among complex odours in challenging environments, making them valuable tools in conservation projects worldwide
TOP 5 REASONS FOR USING DETECTION DOGS FOR CONSERVATION WORK
1. LIKEABLE AMBASSADORS: Detection dogs bring a positive engaging presence to conservation work, helping connect science with the community.
2. DURABLE: They perform reliably across varied environments without the need for sensitive equipment; motivated by reward and play.
3. COST EFFECTIVE & VERSATILE: Dogs can be trained on multiple scent targets and quickly adapt for different projects
4. NON-INVASIVE : They minimise disturbance to ecosystems and reduce the need for equipment in the field.
5. THE NOSE KNOWS: Canines have up to 300 million olfactory receptors, dogs can detect faint or hidden scents beyond the reach of most technology.