A recently published scientific paper has cast doubt on the long-held belief that dingoes effectively control invasive pests like feral cats and foxes, challenging arguments in favor of leaving dingoes unrestricted in the environment.
The research paper, titled “Stuck in the mud: Persistent failure of ‘the science’ to provide reliable information on the ecological roles of Australian dingoes,” appeared in the September 2023 edition of Biological Conservation. It presents a critical review of three decades of research into the relationship between dingoes and other mesopredators, specifically feral cats and foxes.
According to the paper’s findings, the majority of previous research lacked the scientific rigor required to support claims that dingoes effectively suppress populations of feral cats and foxes. Out of the numerous studies conducted over the past 30 years, only eight were deemed capable of assessing the impact of dingoes on foxes and cats, and each of these studies indicated that dingoes did not suppress their populations.
Dr. Ben Allen, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in Wildlife Management at the University of Southern Queensland and one of the authors of the research paper, emphasized that while dingoes play essential ecological roles, this study suggests that controlling foxes and cats is not one of them.
“These findings will assist decision-makers in determining the most effective practices for managing wild dogs, ensuring minimal negative impacts on Australia’s agriculture, biodiversity, and societal assets,” Dr. Allen explained.
Greg Mifsud, the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator, welcomed the paper’s conclusions, stating that it provides evidence to counter persistent claims that wild dog and dingo management should be halted due to their alleged regulation of feral cat and fox populations.
“This paper reinforces what we’ve been advocating for years—wild dog and dingo management does not result in an increase in fox and feral cat populations,” Mr. Mifsud stated. He cited long-term field studies conducted by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and partner organizations, which indicate that strategic and targeted wild dog and dingo management programs have the potential to reduce fox numbers by up to 100% and feral cats by as much as 50%.
Mr. Mifsud further emphasized that government policies allowing for targeted control of wild dogs and dingoes are not leading to increased predation by feral cats and foxes, potentially delivering more significant conservation benefits for native fauna.
The research offers landholders and organizations the opportunity to strike a balance in terms of dingo control measures, considering environmental and livestock production costs while acknowledging the vital ecological role played by dingoes as apex predators and their cultural significance.
