Good points Greg
I think the evidence indicates that eradicating dingoes has a negative
effect on biodiversity (as does eradicating top predators in other
ecosystems).
I saw a program on TV a while back where a sheep producer introduced
Maremma sheep dogs and virtually eliminated dingo predation on his sheep.
The dingoes continued to take cats, foxes, rabbits and marsupials with an
overall improvement in the biodiversity and productivity of the property.
Cheers
David
On Sat, Jul 12, 2014 at 4:06 PM, Greg and Val Clancy <>
wrote:
> 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: [Birding-Aus] 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
>
>
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