CSIRO Publishing.  RRP $24.95

While probably aimed at teenage readers, Animal Eco-Warriors is enjoyable read for all ages. The book consists of thirteen fascinating chapters, each focussing on an example of how a particular species is used to assist scientists in investigating and mitigating environmental problems.

Dogs feature in a number of chapters, such as the Fox Terrier used for tracking down feral cats on Tasman Island and a Welsh Spaniel trained to find Argentine ants in New Zealand. More unusual animal helpers include Blossom the African Giant Pouched Rat, who is rewarded with bananas for her work in detecting land mines in Mozambique, and Elephant Seals fitted with devices for measuring sea ice in Antarctica.

In these short and entertaining stories readers learn about a range of environmental issues and the innovative ways that scientists are using animals to help in addressing them. Overall, it’s a captivating and inspiring little book.

Steve Page