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Resolving the value of the dingo in ecological restoration
journal contribution
posted on 2015-05-01, 00:00 authored by Thomas Newsome, G A Ballard, M S Crowther, J A Dellinger, P J S Fleming, A S Glen, A C Greenville, C N Johnson, M Letnic, K E Moseby, Dale Nimmo, M P Nelson, J L Read, W J Ripple, Euan RitchieEuan Ritchie, C R Shores, A D Wallach, A J Wirsing, C R DickmanThere 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 ecologyVolume
23Issue
3Pagination
201 - 208Publisher
WileyLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1061-2971eISSN
1526-100XLanguage
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2015, Society for Ecological RestorationUsage metrics
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