Before anyone cries out that this is not a bird issue I would remind you
that the control of 'wild dogs' in particular Dingoes can potentially have a
very adverse effect on birds by allowing foxes and cats to proliferate.
Dingoes pose little threat to birds and many studies have shown that Dingoes
can have a controlling influence over the numbers of foxes and cats in many
areas. I know that there is some DPI research in NSW which claims that this
is not true and that the top order predator is man and not Dingoes but the
evidence is there. The problem with 'wild dog' control is that it is
difficult to distinguish between feral dogs and Dingoes in the wild and
poisoning and trapping methods do not allow for this. They are grouped
under the legislation so forcing landowners to control wild dogs is also
forcing landowners to control Dingoes, which is likely to be
counterproductive. Rather than a blanket killing of wild dogs authorities
should be concentrating on feral dogs and not Dingoes. Research has also
shown that killing the adult female of a Dingo pack, which has a matriarchal
system, can lead to 'juvenile delinquent' young Dingoes, that lack the
experience to hunt native prey, attacking stock. Other measures need to be
taken such as using Marema dogs, Alpacas or other animals to guard flocks of
sheep. It would be interesting to know how much has been spent on baits,
bullets and traps, as well as on personnel, in an attempt to control wild
dogs over the years. I would guess that the cost has been very high and for
what result? The wild dog problem is still with us. Maybe we need to think
laterally. Maybe a range of measures including compensating graziers for
stock losses and taking measures to reduce the number of attacks on
livestock with guard animals might just be more efficient, and economical in
the long run. But this idea won't win votes.
Regards
Greg
Dr Greg. P. Clancy
Ecologist and Birding-wildlife Guide
| PO Box 63 Coutts Crossing NSW 2460
| 02 6649 3153 | 0429 601 960
http://www.gregclancyecologistguide.com
http://gregswildliferamblings.blogspot.com.au/
-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Gillanders
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2014 1:32 PM
To: Birding_Aus
Subject: Cats and Dogs
Well no actually, just dogs again,
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-12/fines-flagged-for-not-eradicating-wild-dogs/5590996
Regards,
Alan
Alan's Wildlife Tours
2 Mather Road
Yungaburra 4884
_______________________________________________
Birding-Aus mailing list
To change settings or unsubscribe visit:
http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org
|
