The relationship between humans and dogs has many facets, but one of the most important has been (and still is) work. For example, dogs allowed us to reach truly inhospitable places, and the so-called 'Heroic Age' of Antarctic exploration would have been impossible without their effort and sacrifice. Even so, the truth is that there are no longer dogs in Antarctica, not even as pets. What is the reason?
The folks at Business Insider have shared several YouTube videos dedicated to dog training. Military applications, explosive detection, guide dogs... the work of professionals is truly impressive. It doesn't matter if the required objective is precision or intensity, dogs can do it. But they have also played a fundamental role in scientific exploration. In fact, their sacrifice was enormous during the 'Heroic Age' of Antarctic missions... and I say 'sacrifice' because they served as a food source in more than one situation.
Why Are There No Dogs in Antarctica?
The Heroic Age is behind us, and we can say the same about the canine presence in Antarctica. There are dozens of permanent bases on the continent, rotating personnel throughout the year, but not a single pet. Why? First, an obvious detail: The role of sled dogs has become obsolete compared to modern vehicles. In the past, dogs offered specific advantages such as their weight, and the ability to detect risks on the route (e.g., cracks). Today, a "Hägglunds" can cover 300 kilometers with a full tank (as long as the terrain helps), and move up to five tons of cargo.
And secondly... dogs are prohibited in Antarctica. The same extends to cats, and to every 'non-native' species of the continent. The 'Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty', much better known as the Madrid Protocol, was signed on October 4, 1991, and entered into force in early 1998. The last dogs to leave Antarctica departed from the British station Rothera in February 1994.
One of the explanations for the prohibition indicates that the genetic profiles of dogs and seals share several points in common, and this opens the possibility of a transfer of infections. In other words, it is believed that a mutation of canine distemper (popularly known as 'distemper') could 'find a way' to reach seals.
Sources: British Antarctic Survey, Antarctic Dogs
