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This thesis examines the economic and policy implications of landscape-scale cooperative wild dog management in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Using cost-benefit analysis, spatial regression, and adoption theory, it demonstrates that sustained, coordinated wild dog management can generate positive net economic returns over time. Results show that baiting significantly reduces sheep predation when implemented across a landscape, while farm-level outcomes are more variable. Effective wild dog control depends on collective action and participation among neighbouring landholders. Proximity to public land increases predation risk. Although most benefits accrue to producers, government involvement is economically justified where it helps overcome coordination barriers through facilitation, governance, extension, and support for cooperative management. |
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