The fate of the Big Desert dingoes hangs in the balance as a controversial population faces a potential critically endangered status. This decision, which could make history as the first of its kind for the species, is a complex and contentious issue, with far-reaching implications for both the environment and local communities.
A Species in Peril
The Wilkerr, a genetically distinct sub-population of dingoes, is under threat due to a combination of factors. Wildlife ecologist Euan Ritchie of Deakin University highlights the dire situation, stating that the population is highly inbred, with only about 100 or fewer adult individuals. The evidence, gathered through camera trapping and genetics, suggests that the Wilkerr are breeding with their full siblings, a clear sign of inbreeding depression. Ritchie's assessment is grim: the Wilkerr are 'well on their way to extinction'.
This dire prediction is not without precedent. The Alpine Victoria dingo population, for instance, has an average dingo ancestry of 81.8%, with 43 tested animals. While the Wilkerr's genetic makeup is more concerning, it is not the only dingo sub-population in Australia facing challenges. The Central Australia population, for example, has an average dingo ancestry of 94.4%, with 17 tested animals.
A Contentious Decision
The decision to consider the Wilkerr for critically endangered status is not without controversy. The application put forward by Big Desert Dingo Research and the Australian Dingo Foundation has sparked debate, particularly among farmers and First Nations groups. Farmers, like Peter Star, a Victorian Farmers Federation board member, argue that the protection of dingoes comes at a cost to their livelihoods, with mounting stock loss and mental health issues.
The Victorian government's survey of dingo numbers on its side of the border, which has not yet been made public, may provide crucial insights into the Wilkerr's status. The government's reluctance to compensate farmers for stock losses further complicates the situation, as evidenced by the recent $40,000 bill sent to the government by a farmer for the loss of 16 ewes and 145 lambs.
A Complex Web of Interests
The Wilkerr's plight is further complicated by the different meanings the species holds for various groups. For farmers, they are a nuisance, causing stock loss and posing a threat to their livelihoods. For First Nations groups, the Wilkerr are culturally significant, with connections to rock art and creation stories. The national wild dog action plan, which defines wild dogs as 'all wild-living dogs, which include: dingoes, feral dogs and their hybrids', adds another layer of complexity.
The SA government's approach to managing wild dogs, particularly inside the SA dog fence, is a practical response to protect the state's $1.7 billion sheep industry. However, the government's concerns about the evidence supporting the Wilkerr's threatened species assessment raise questions about the effectiveness of the current approach.
A Way Forward
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee's three-year assessment of the Wilkerr's status is a crucial step in determining the species' future. The committee's recommendation will shape the federal government's response, which could include a moratorium on lethal control and the reintroduction of dingoes from other sub-populations to strengthen the Wilkerr's genetics.
However, the challenges of translocating new animals due to dingoes' territorial nature and the need for a federal listing to protect farmers' rights to lethal control, present a complex web of considerations. The Victorian government's recent survey of dingo numbers and its reluctance to make the data public further adds to the uncertainty.
In conclusion, the Big Desert dingoes' journey towards a potential critically endangered status is a testament to the complex interplay of environmental, cultural, and economic factors. The decision to protect or cull the Wilkerr is a delicate balance, and the outcome will shape the future of this iconic species and the communities that depend on it.
