Resolving the value of the dingo in ecological restoration

Title
Resolving the value of the dingo in ecological restoration
Publication Date
2015
Author(s)
Newsome, Thomas M
Ballard, Guy
Nimmo, Dale G
Nelson, Michael Paul
Read, John L
Ripple, William J
Ritchie, Euan G
Shores, Carolyn R
Wallach, Arian D
Wirsing, Aaron J
Dickman, Christopher R
Crowther, Mathew S
Dellinger, Justin A
Fleming, Peter
Glen, Alistair S
Greenville, Aaron C
Johnson, Chris N
Letnic, Mike
Moseby, Katherine E
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc
Place of publication
United States of America
DOI
10.1111/rec.12186
UNE publication id
une:22304
Abstract
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.
Link
Citation
Restoration Ecology, 23(3), p. 201-208
ISSN
1526-100X
1061-2971
Start page
201
End page
208

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink