Tucker is a very special type of sniffer dog, his area of specialty being whale poop. He is helping scientists uncover why a population of killer whales are in decline on the northwest coast of the US. Once Tucker has found the faeces, the hormone levels are examined to investigate whether the whales are stressed, and to indicate the availability of food to the whales. These factors could be the key to the cause of their decreasing numbers.
Having a black Labrador use his keen nose to sniff out the faeces and collecting samples on the boat is a lot easier than catching a whale and taking records. It is also a lot less invasive to the whales, and prevents causing stress to animals who are becoming at risk.
And what is in it for Tucker once he has found a delectable sample? His favourite ball on a rope.
Check out the audio slideshow on the BBC website.
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