Sebbi, a springer spaniel who spent eight years as a detection dog on Lord Howe Island, has retired to a life of leisure in Brisbane. The dog played a key role in helping the island achieve a globally significant conservation milestone: being declared rodent-free in 2023.
Sebbi was one of the island's original biosecurity dogs, patrolling beaches, volcanic peaks, and rugged trails. He was valued for his leadership skills and mentoring of younger dogs, according to Tim Solomon, a biosecurity dog handler on the island.
Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site located more than 700km north-east of Sydney, is a biodiversity hotspot with over 200 endemic species. Rodents introduced by ships in the 19th and early 20th centuries caused the extinction of at least five native bird species, 13 invertebrates, and two plants.
Detection dogs have been central to eradication efforts since the first dogs arrived in 2017. Monitoring has since shown strong population growth of native species like the Lord Howe woodhen and currawong, and the regeneration of the little mountain palm.
Sebbi now lives in Brisbane with former handler Saxxon Thompson and his partner Sally Skinner, enjoying cuddles and naps with his new 'pup sister' Lacey. His duties have been taken over by the current detection dog squad: Tilly, Sooty, and Willow, with a new dog expected to join by year's end.
