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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 32(1)

Hybridisation between dingoes and domestic dogs: a comment on Jones (2009)

A. S. Glen
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Department of Environment & Conservation and Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Dwellingup Research Centre, Banksiadale Road, Dwellingup, WA 6213, Australia. Email: al.glen@hotmail.com

Australian Mammalogy 32(1) 76-77 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM09031
Submitted: 26 October 2009  Accepted: 19 November 2009   Published: 24 March 2010

Abstract

The recent review by Jones (2009) presents a strong argument that Victoria’s wild dog population cannot reliably be categorised into dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), feral dogs (C. l. familiaris) and hybrids. This presents a problem in the light of the dingo’s recent listing as a threatened species in that state. Wildlife managers must come to grips with questions regarding the relative conservation value of ‘dingoes’ with varying degrees of domestic dog ancestry. This will require improved knowledge of the ecological function of wild dogs, as well as extensive research into public attitudes towards the animals.

Additional keywords: conservation value, ecological function, introgression, social values.


Acknowledgements

A. Glen is supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. Sincere thanks to D. Sutherland and three anonymous referees for feedback on an earlier draft.


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