Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog Names

Though the 19th century saw them hunt down the kings of the African savanna, the 21st century sees a Rhodesian Ridgeback hunting down bees instead. Wait, bees? That’s right. Graham Roberts of Fittleworth, West Sussex, put his beloved Ridgeback to work in the wildlife and gardening center he runs. The dog’s name is Ted, and the environmentalists of the world give the bee-sniffing stud two thumbs (and four paws) up.

Part of the company’s bumblebee conservation efforts require the bees' habitats to be discovered, regularly monitored, and protected. Ted routinely combs the rows of flowers and bushes for nests so that his owner can log necessary information. The Ridgeback doesn’t dig or destroy the bees’ homes at all. As a matter of fact, he’s quite gentle and focused during the entire process. Surprisingly, the buzzing sound isn’t the tip-off for him. Ted has been trained to track the sharp odor of the hive and to alert Roberts. Roberts may then examine the burrow and record the data he needs. Perhaps Ted’s favorite part of the mission is enjoying his treat when he makes a discovery.

The project seeks to promote the survival of bumblebees up against threatening farming methods and harmful pesticides, and this eco-friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback is an integral part of the effort. Roberts and his companion are attempting to solve an important issue: farmers are clearing certain types of plants, and as they do, they’re also clearing away the bees’ homes. If the bees die, the ever-essential pollination doesn’t happen.

Bumblebee haunts are actually pretty difficult to locate, given that only about 250 bees occupy the abandoned vole or mouse holes. But Ted was born with hunting in his blood, and he is very intellectual and sensitive: he understands the procedure fully and is careful to avoid disturbing the bees as well as their nests. He senses the danger of getting too close and respects boundaries.