Big Desert Dingo Research
The Big Desert Dingoes
Discover the significance of Big Desert dingoes and their essential role in maintaining ecological balance. Learn why these remarkable creatures deserve our protection and how their conservation is vital for sustaining biodiversity in Australia's unique ecosystems.
Edge of Extinction:
The Big Desert Dingoes Fight for a Future
​The Big Desert of north-western Victoria is a harsh and unforgiving landscape of sand dunes, spinifex grasslands, and mallee scrub. Yet, amidst this arid environment thrives a unique population of dingoes. Big Desert dingoes, but they're not just any dingoes; they are also known as "Wilkerr" by the local Traditional Owners, the Wotjobaluk Nations, a population of pure and genetically distinct dingoes in Australia. Now isolated through land clearing and colonisation, they hold a crucial place in the ecological balance of the Big Desert, Wyperfeld National Park, and Ngarkat Conservation Park complex. However, this very isolation, coupled with historical persecution, has brought them to the brink of extinction.
Ecological Role
Dingoes are apex predators, sitting at the very top of the food chain, not just in the Big Desert, but across Australia. This means they have no natural predators, and their presence has a profound impact on the entire ecosystem. They are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced environment. Here's how:
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Population Control: They regulate populations of herbivores like kangaroos, wallabies and rabbits. Without dingoes, these herbivores could overgraze, leading to the loss of vegetation and habitat for other species.
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Ecosystem Engineers: Dingoes influence where other animals live and how they behave. Their hunting and scavenging activities can alter the landscape, creating opportunities for other creatures. For example, their digging can create shelters and burrows for smaller animals.
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Suppressing Invasive Species: Dingoes help control introduced predators like foxes and feral cats, which pose a serious threat to native wildlife. By keeping these invasive populations in check, dingoes protect vulnerable native species.
Without the dingoes, the delicate balance of the Big Desert ecosystem would be disrupted. This could lead to overgrazing, loss of biodiversity, and increased pressure from invasive species. The dingoes are truly vital to the health and survival of this unique environment.
Historical Threats
The Big Desert dingoes have faced a long and devastating history of persecution at the hands of European settlers. The introduction of livestock, particularly sheep and cattle, ignited a fear of dingoes preying on these valuable assets. This fear fueled a range of destructive practices that have had a profound impact on dingo populations:
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Land Clearing: Vast tracts of native vegetation, crucial dingo habitat, were cleared to make way for agriculture. This not only destroyed their homes but also fragmented dingo populations, isolating them and making them more vulnerable.
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Poisoning and Trapping: Systematic baiting and trapping campaigns have been, and continue to be, widely implemented across Australia with the aim of eradicating dingoes. These methods indiscriminately kill dingoes, decimating their numbers and disrupting their social structures.
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Hunting: Dingoes are frequently shot and hunted, often for sport or as a perceived threat to livestock. This relentless persecution adds to the pressure on their already dwindling populations.
These historical practices, combined with the ongoing threat of habitat loss, have pushed the Big Desert dingoes to the brink of extinction. It's crucial to note that the persecution isn't just a relic of the past. Lethal control measures are still actively employed today, particularly over the border in South Australia. In Ngarkat Conservation Park, there is a determined effort to eradicate the Big Desert dingoes, further jeopardizing their survival. This ongoing persecution highlights the urgent need for increased protection and conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this unique and vital apex predator.
Inbreeding and Its Consequences
The isolation of the Big Desert dingoes has led to a high degree of inbreeding. This means that the Big Desert dingoes are frequently mating with close relatives, which significantly reduces the genetic diversity within their population. Genetic diversity is essential for the health and survival of any species. It provides a wide range of genes that allow individuals to adapt to changing environments, fight off diseases, and maintain overall fitness.
When inbreeding occurs, harmful genetic mutations become more common, and the overall genetic "fitness" of the population declines. This can have a number of serious consequences for the Big Desert dingoes, including:
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Reduced Fertility: Inbred dingoes may have difficulty reproducing, leading to fewer pups and a lower birth rate. This makes it harder for the population to grow and recover.
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Increased Disease Susceptibility: With a limited gene pool, the dingoes become more vulnerable to diseases. If one dingo contracts a disease, it's likely that many others will also be susceptible, potentially leading to widespread illness and death.
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Physical Abnormalities: Inbreeding can result in a higher rate of birth defects and physical abnormalities. These might include deformities like bob tails, overbites, or unusual coat patterns. Such abnormalities can hinder a dingo's ability to hunt, survive, and reproduce.
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Weakened Immune System: Genetic diversity is crucial for a strong immune system. Inbred dingoes have a less diverse immune system, making them less able to fight off infections and parasites. This makes them more prone to illness and reduces their overall health.
These consequences of inbreeding pose a significant threat to the long-term survival of the Big Desert dingoes. It's a critical factor that Big Desert Dingo Research are working to address as they strive to protect this unique population.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its ecological importance, the dingo holds immense cultural significance for the Indigenous people of the Big Desert region. For the Wotjobaluk Nations People, Wilkerr, a totem species, holds profound cultural significance. Wilkerr is not merely an animal, but a deeply respected spiritual relative, woven into the fabric of their traditions, stories, and identity.
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This connection is evident in several key aspects: Wilkerr features prominently in Wotjobaluk creation stories, and ancient rock art found throughout Wotjobaluk Country. Historically, Wilkerr was more than just a totemic animal; Wilkerr was also a valued hunting partner. The Wotjobaluk people developed a deep understanding of Wilkerr's behaviour, utilising their skills to assist in hunting and tracking prey.
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The cultural significance of Wilkerr continues to resonate strongly with the Wotjobaluk People today. They actively advocate for the conservation and protection of Wilkerr, recognising its vital role in maintaining the health of the land and preserving their cultural heritage. The Barengi Gadjin Land Council, representing the Wotjobaluk Nations, is at the forefront of efforts to ensure the survival and well-being of Wilkerr for future generations. Protecting Wilkerr is essential not only for ecological reasons but also to preserve the cultural heritage of the Wotjobaluk Nations and their connection to Country.
Recent Protection
In a landmark decision, the Victorian Government granted full protection to the Big Desert dingoes on March 14, 2024. This protection, extending across both public and private land, makes it illegal to kill or harm a dingo in the Northwest region of Victoria. This is a crucial step towards their recovery and recognises their ecological and cultural importance. The protection also encourages the use of non-lethal methods to manage dingoes, such as guardian dogs and strategic fencing, to mitigate conflict with livestock.
Protecting a Legacy
The Big Desert dingoes are a national treasure, a symbol of resilience and a vital part of Australia's natural heritage. Their story is one of survival against the odds. While recent protection offers hope, their future remains uncertain. Continued efforts are needed to address the challenges of inbreeding, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. By understanding their ecological role, respecting their cultural significance, and working towards their conservation, we can ensure that Wilkerr continue to roam the Big Desert for generations to come.