Meet Anton and Fibi at Sweco – four-legged experts in species protection
At Sweco, protecting biodiversity goes beyond traditional environmental expertise. Detection dogs Anton and Fibi are part of the team, using their exceptional sense of smell to help identify protected species in areas where future infrastructure is planned.
Together with their handlers, Anton and Fibi help identify protected animal species in areas where new development is planned, providing critical insights that would otherwise be difficult, time-consuming, or even impossible for humans to obtain.
Detection dogs as part of Sweco’s environmental teams
At Sweco, sustainable planning means understanding and protecting the natural environments where tomorrow’s cities and infrastructure are built.
Species protection is an essential part of many infrastructure and construction projects. Before development can begin, protected species and habitats must be identified and considered in planning. This is where detection dogs bring unique value.
With their exceptional sense of smell, they can locate animals, nests and habitats that are well hidden in complex environments. Their work supports Sweco’s ambition to combine efficient project delivery with high environmental standards.
Anton, Detection dog, and Patrick Leopold, Environmental consultant at Sweco.
Anton – a pioneer in species detection at Sweco
Anton, an Italian water dog (Lagotto Romagnolo), was the first certified species detection dog to join Sweco. He works alongside animal ecologist and environmental consultant Patrick Leopold on assignments across Germany.
Together, they help identify protected species such as sand lizards, smooth snakes and breeding trees of the stag beetle. Anton’s findings allow project teams to adapt designs early, reducing risks and improving outcomes for both nature and development.
“The motto of our trainer team is: I smell something you don’t see,” Patrick explains.
Anton’s journey into species detection began with specialised training, followed by certification and regular re-certification to ensure quality and reliability. When he makes a successful find, he is rewarded with praise, play and treats — reinforcing the close teamwork between dog and handler.
Since joining Sweco, Anton has supported several residential and railway projects, including assessments of CEF sites, where his work has significantly shortened survey times.
Anton, Detection dog, specially trained to find endangered animal species.
Working with uncertainty – and trust
Just like many Sweco projects, species detection work requires flexibility and trust — in both expertise and process. Conditions in the field can change quickly, and every search area is different.
“Working with a detection dog is a team effort, and the training never really ends,” Patrick says.
Outside of work, Anton still enjoys truffle hunting — a reminder of the breed’s traditional skills — and remains, at heart, a family dog.
Fibi – a new colleague in training
Fibi, Detection dog and Eila Brunke, Landscape Ecologist at Sweco.
Soon, Anton will be joined by Fibi, who is on her way to becoming Sweco’s second certified species detection dog. Fibi is handled by Eila Brunke, a landscape ecologist at Sweco in Germany.
Inspired by working alongside Anton and Patrick, Eila decided to train her own dog for species detection. After structured training that combines scent work with theoretical education, Fibi is expected to complete her certification in spring 2026.
“When we have two dogs, we’ll be able to support many more projects than before,” Eila explains.
Initially, Fibi will focus on locating protected reptiles, with future training planned for species such as bats and hazel dormice.
Strengthening biodiversity through collaboration
Anton and Fibi are a clear example of how Sweco combines innovation, expertise and teamwork to support sustainable development. By integrating detection dogs into environmental projects, Sweco strengthens its ability to protect biodiversity — while keeping projects efficient and well-informed.
As Sweco plans and designs infrastructure that will shape landscapes for decades to come, understanding and respecting the natural environment remains essential. Sometimes, that understanding starts with a very good nose.
Explore more solutions in Sweco´s Urban Insight report “Biodiversity in practice: From loss to gain”.
