Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Resolving the value of the dingo in ecological restoration

Version 2 2024-06-04, 04:35
Version 1 2015-08-26, 15:54
journal contribution
posted on 2024-06-04, 04:35 authored by TM Newsome, GA Ballard, MS Crowther, JA Dellinger, PJS Fleming, AS Glen, AC Greenville, CN Johnson, M Letnic, KE Moseby, DG Nimmo, MP Nelson, JL Read, WJ Ripple, Euan RitchieEuan Ritchie, CR Shores, AD Wallach, AJ Wirsing, CR Dickman
There is global interest in restoring populations of apex predators, both to conserve them and to harness their ecological services. In Australia, reintroduction of dingoes (Canis dingo) has been proposed to help restore degraded rangelands. This proposal is based on theories and the results of studies suggesting that dingoes can suppress populations of prey (especially medium- and large-sized herbivores) and invasive predators such as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) that prey on threatened native species. However, the idea of dingo reintroduction has met opposition, especially from scientists who query the dingo's positive effects for some species or in some environments. Here, we ask 'what is a feasible experimental design for assessing the role of dingoes in ecological restoration?' We outline and propose a dingo reintroduction experiment-one that draws upon the existing dingo-proof fence-and identify an area suitable for this (Sturt National Park, western New South Wales). Although challenging, this initiative would test whether dingoes can help restore Australia's rangeland biodiversity, and potentially provide proof-of-concept for apex predator reintroductions globally.

History

Journal

Restoration ecology

Volume

23

Pagination

201-208

Location

London, Eng.

ISSN

1061-2971

eISSN

1526-100X

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2015, Society for Ecological Restoration

Issue

3

Publisher

Wiley

Usage metrics

    Research Publications

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC