The Effects of baiting programs.

I have spent many years studying the ecological function of dingoes. I have done this for my own satisfaction and understanding of the dingo. So, I have got to see dingoes in both stable and unstable pack situations. The ecological function of dingoes is highly dependent on stable social structures, this aspect of their biology is key in providing essential eco-system services. In stable situations dingoes are largely, unseen and unheard, just out there doing their job, so to speak.. The main characteristic that defines top predators is their ability to self regulate, with dingoes this is achieved through hierarchal dominance, infanticide and territorial behaviour. In stable situations dingoes exist in extremely low densities and as top predators are the key in maintaining ecological balance. As a result of the continual baiting programs throughout, dingoes have been transformed into an entirely different animal. Which jeopardises future pure bred populations. There are many key elements. ( Hyper-predation ) Hyper-predation is commonly observed but little understood. Some of you will have heard story’s of dingoes killing hundreds of sheep in one night, that is hyper-predation. It is a natural instinctive behaviour that is curbed by education from piers and hierarchal dominance. I have observed this on numerous occasions and is typical in unstable situations where baiting programs prevail, mass killings and leaving the carcases to rot. (super-abundance) Dingoes become Super-abundant as a result of baiting campaigns, natural population suppressants are lost as a result of social unrest. In socially stable situations dingoes live in packs of up to ten individuals, only the dominant alpha pair breed and produce one litter per year. Each pack claims a large territory which is vigorously defended against other dingoes and meso-predatores (cats, foxes etc.) In unstable situations every bitch in the population will conceive and raise pups, generally only pups themselves the mothers have no family support and her pups disperse at a very young age. These pups become the next generation that will also breed at first oestrus and the cycle will continue in perpetuity under the current baiting regimes. (Hybridization) Genetic integrity of dingo communities is highly dependent on them maintaining stable social structures. It is essential for dingoes to maintain strong cohesive groups to defend territories against wandering intruders. In stable situations dingoes will chase off or kill any feral or domestic dog that comes within their territorial range. As a result of baiting, hierarchal structures are dismantled leaving young uneducated dingoes to disperse in search of any dog to develop social ties. Once hybridized they then have the capacity to produce multiple litters each year, adding weight to abundance and elevated pressures of predation.