Man versus wild dogs -- the real story
Research published this year by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), has made it clear that humans, not dingoes or wild dogs, are the apex or top-order predator in most Australian environments. In the struggle to protect local communities, livestock and native wildlife from wild dogs, it’s up to the human race to take the upper hand according to the latest scientific findings.
NSW DPI vertebrate pest research leader, Peter Fleming, said strategic wild dog management programs offered the best outcomes for rural communities and wildlife.
It has been suggested that the reintroduction of dingoes could help manage foxes and cats but the studies indicate that dingoes could have a negative impact on the survival of some endangered native species.
Dr. Fleming said that the risk assessment shows that up to 94 per cent of the native species in western NSW could be at risk of dingo predation, regardless of any effect dingoes might have on foxes and cats.
As dingoes prey on the same threatened species as the cats and foxes – they also pose a real threat to livestock industries and the communities they support.