New research involving the latest genetic testing methods has established the ancestry of wild dogs across Australia. Most of the 307 wild animals that were tested were found to be pure dingoes. Only a small proportion of the test had dog ancestry with no “first-cross” (50/50) hybrids or feral dogs in the wild-caught samples.
Essentially, all the “Wild Dogs” were Dingoes.
The new DNA testing method improves the old system that used 23 markers and now uses 195,000 DNA markers. Similar technology is used for human ancestry and family tree testing. More markers enable more information that can be used to study differences in species, populations or individuals.
The study results have broader management implications, as any 1080 dumped to control “wild dogs” kills dingoes.
It is important that studies like these occur so that management decisions can be better informed and driven by facts and data, ultimately delivering better outcomes for all stakeholders.
Do you want to get the last Australian Deer news, events, updates & competitions directly to your inbox?
Enter your name & email below and we'll make sure you're the first to know!
