Foto: BB.LV / Динго
The government of the Australian state of New South Wales has initiated a large-scale parliamentary inquiry to review the status of dingoes in national parks. The parliamentary commission has received nearly 400 submissions from ecologists, cattle ranchers, and local residents. Authorities are trying to find a balance between protecting the unique predator and safeguarding farming operations. **The dispute between ecologists and farmers** Dingoes occupy the top of the food chain on the Australian continent and naturally regulate the populations of kangaroos, wild foxes, and other species. Archaeological findings also confirm the centuries-old cultural connection of these animals with Indigenous peoples. However, the laws of New South Wales still do not grant dingoes protected species status, classifying them as ordinary wild dogs. Local farmers view the predators as a direct threat to their businesses. In areas where the boundaries of national parks adjoin pastures, dingoes regularly attack sheep and goats. Such attacks result in thousands of dollars in losses for ranch owners and cause ongoing stress for residents of rural communities. **Ineffectiveness of traditional methods** Traditional programs for the mass extermination of dingoes through the deployment of poisoned baits have shown low effectiveness. A scientific study on four large-scale cattle ranches demonstrated that reducing the overall number of wild dogs does not decrease the number of dead calves and does not protect herds from sudden raids. Experts are calling for the implementation of non-lethal methods of controlling dingo populations. Installing protective fencing, using specially trained livestock guardian dogs, and targeted trapping of problematic individuals can reliably protect farms. The main obstacle to the widespread adoption of such measures remains their high cost. **Transition to peaceful coexistence** Members of the parliamentary commission are analyzing international experience in managing large predators at the borders of protected natural areas. Experts propose officially recognizing dingoes as an indigenous species, introducing a complete ban on their shooting in national parks, and allocating government subsidies for the installation of fencing. New South Wales aims to become a leader in developing humane wildlife management methods.
