Evaluating the role of the Dingo as a trophic regulator: Additional practical suggestions

Abstract

Hunt is a Project Officer in the same Parks andWildlife Group and coordinates a major research project on wild dog management using a cooperative landscape model approach, which includes the development of innovative control techniques (Email: rob.hunt@environment.nsw.gov.au). Summary A recent review paper by Glen et al . in Austral Ecology (2007, Volume 32 , 492-501) canvassed anecdotal and scientific evidence relating to the role of the Dingo as regulator of ecosystem processes in Australian landscapes. Their review forms part of an increasing volume of literature about the ecological roles of top-order or apex predators around the globe. Although recognizing the possible functional significance of the Dingo is a noteworthy subject matter, the management of the species at an ecosystem scale is complicated by a range of practical and theoretical issues. Perhaps the most significant challenge is the degree to which the Dingo is hybridized with the domestic Dog gone wild (Feral Dog). We suggest here that there is a range of research questions that need to be experimentally addressed as a matter of urgency. This includes but is not limited to understanding the ecological significance of Dingo-Dog hybridization. Such research should precede other research initiatives suggested by Glen et al. such as reintroducing individuals of the pure Dingo back into landscapes. This is particularly the case for south-eastern mainland Australia where the incidence of Dingo-Dog hybridization is high and the ecological consequences of this poorly understood. Finally, new terminology may be needed relating to Dingo and/or Wild Dog management that more clearly reflects both the genetic status of the species as well as its ecological function.

Satellite tracking of wild dogs in south-eastern mainland Australian forests: Implications for management of a problematic top-order carnivore

“…The degree to which hybrids behave like dingoes, including social biology, predatory and reproductive behaviour, remains unclear (Corbett, 1995;Glen et al, 2007). However, some authors advocate that dingoes and their hybrids may be functionally similar (Daniels and Corbett, 2003;Claridge and Hunt, 2008).…”

As clear as mud: A critical review of evidence for the ecological roles of Australian dingoes

“…has therefore been identified as a known or potential threat in no less than 14 national threatened species recovery plans listed by the Australian government (Allen and Leung, 2012). 'Predation and hybridisation by feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)' is also a listed Key Threatening Process for 'threatened species, populations, and communities' in the state of New South Wales (see Major, 2009 for the listing, see Corbett, 2001a andStephens, 2011 for the distribution of Canis sub-species in Australia, and see Allen et al, 2011b;Coman and Jones, 2007;Jones, 2009;Corbett, 2001bCorbett, , 2008Claridge and Hunt, 2008; for discussion of taxonomy and functional similarities between free-roaming Australian sub-species of Canis). Dingoes also threaten northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii Banks et al, 2003;Horsup, 2004), bridled nailtail wallabies (Onychogalea fraenata Augusteyn et al, 2010;Lundie-Jenkins and Lowry, 2005) and a range of other species Coutts-Smith et al, 2007;Newsome et al, 1997;Newsome, 2011) in other areas, where it is predicted that some populations (such as those of koalas Phascolarctos cinereus; Lunney et al, 2007;Mifsud, 2011) will only persist through the control or absence of canid predators, including dingoes.…”

Top predators as biodiversity regulators: the dingo Canis lupus dingo as a case study

“…There has been long‐standing debate over the status and ecological role of the dingo in Australia (Etheridge, 1916; Wood Jones, 1921; Marlow, 1962; Rolls, 1969; Newsome, 1990; Catling & Burt, 1995; Dawson, 1995; Smith, 1999; Newsome et al , 2001; Elledge et al , 2006; Coman & Evans, 2007; Glen et al , 2007; Claridge et al , 2009). Dingoes were probably introduced to Australia by people 3500–5000 years before present (y BP) (Barker & Macintosh, 1979; Gollan, 1984; Savolainen et al , 2004) and currently have ambiguous status in most areas where they occur (Coman & Evans, 2007; Claridge & Hunt, 2008; Hytten, 2009). They have been a major pest to pastoralists for the last two centuries because they prey upon livestock (Parker, 2007), and thus are subject to ongoing extermination programs across much of the continent.…”