DNA study finds many dingoes carry some domestic dog genetics
A major Australian DNA study has found that a substantial share of dingoes carry some domestic dog genetics. The findings have significant implications for conservation policy and farming regulation.
A landmark genetic study by researchers from the Australian National University and UNSW analysed more than 800 dingo samples. It found that around 40% of dingoes in eastern and south-eastern Australia carry detectable domestic dog genetics. Populations in the central and northern deserts, by contrast, are overwhelmingly pure dingo.
The research has reignited debate about whether dingoes should be reclassified from pest to protected wildlife. In several states they are listed as 'wild dogs' in agricultural law and are regularly culled because of perceived threats to sheep flocks and cattle. Ecologists stress the apex-predator role of pure dingo populations in maintaining ecosystem balance.
The federal government said the findings will be considered in conservation-law reform. Proposals include an interstate genetic reference database and tighter restrictions on culling in pure dingo regions. Farming groups are calling for any protection measures to be paired with a livestock-loss compensation fund.
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