Tuesday October 20^th, 2026
Conservation Through Canine Detection: From Horned Lizards in Texas to Wildlife Projects Around the World

Join us as we host Paul Bunker, founder and principal of Chiron K9, a canine detection consultancy specializing in conservation, environmental and scientific applications.

Venue

This is an in-person only meeting at:

William R. Sinkin Eco Centro, 1802 North Main Avenue
Map

Meeting schedule

Program topic

How can a trained dog help locate a well-camouflaged horned lizard, find the hidden nest or hatchling of a critically endangered iguana, or contribute to the search for one of the world’s rarest mammals?

Detection dogs are taking a growing role in wildlife conservation and environmental research. One example is Paul Bunker’s development of the Horned Lizard Detection Canine Network in partnership with the San Antonio Zoo’s Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project. Volunteer canine-and-handler teams are trained to locate horned lizards and their scat, shed skin, and eggs, providing an effective method of surveying habitat and monitoring reintroduced populations.

Other projects support the search for a critically endangered bovine, the Saola, in Laos; locating Anegada rock iguana nests and hatchlings in the British Virgin Islands; and work involving the Wyoming toad, invasive species, poachers, submerged targets, and environmental contaminants. Paul will explain what conservation dogs can do, how reliable teams are developed, and why success requires the collaboration of scientists, canine specialists, conservation organizations, communities, and landowners.

About our presenter

Paul Bunker is founder and principal of Chiron K9, a canine detection consultancy specializing in conservation, environmental, and scientific applications. He has more than 40 years of experience working with detection dogs, including 22 years as a canine trainer, instructor, and assessor with the British Army’s Royal Army Veterinary Corps; developing specialized programs for the U.S. Department of Defense; and supporting canine detection research for the Office of Naval Research.

Chiron K9 applies Paul’s operational experience to wildlife conservation and environmental research. He prepares dogs and handlers for field deployment, and works with zoos, universities, government agencies, conservation organizations, and private landowners around the world. Paul has authored several peer-reviewed research articles on canine detection.

The Alamo Group of the Sierra Club holds its general meetings the 3rd Tuesday of most months. They're always free and open to the public.