Tag: Dogs

The dingo is recognised by governments as a distinct native animal, but is variously considered a form of domestic dog, unworthy of taxonomic distinction, or a subspecies of dog or wolf, or a full species in its own right. The legal protection afforded dingoes varies widely from tourist attraction in National parks to “invasive native” in places where they are unwanted.

Dingoes and eagles, being apex predators are possibly the two most persecuted native Australian wild animals. Lethal control practices, both legal and illegal, seek to reduce predator numbers to remove risk to livestock. There is a fine line between “control” and extirpation – local extinction. Ecological studies have established that removing apex predators can have wider implications for biodiversity. Describing dingoes as “pests” gives permission for their destruction, but misses the vital role that large predators might play in controlling other animals, including feral cats and foxes, but also goats and pigs.

On the 10th Sept 2024 the NSW Government department of Environment and Heritage website published this explanation about dingoes and wild dogs:

What are wild dogs?

A wild dog is any dog living in the wild, including feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) and their hybrids. Wild dogs can have significant impacts on livestock, especially sheep. As a result, they have been identified as a priority pest animal under the 11 regional strategic pest animal management plans developed by Local Land Services. It is therefore necessary to manage wild dogs under the General Biosecurity Duty of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

This update was published in answer to the revelation that “wild dogs” previously considered dingo hybrids were in fact genetically pure dingos. The long-held justification for treating dingos as feral animals had been removed, but the response from government was to allow business as usual by treating native dingoes as a pest species wherever farmers would like to favour grazing animals.

Dozens of scientists have written to the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian environment and agriculture ministers to push for changes to dingo policies in light of new scientific research.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/01/scientists-demand-end-to-dingo-baiting-after-research-reveals-most-are-genetically-pure

The decision to preference grazing animals over wildlife is made despite the reality that vast areas of the outback deliver marginal returns to farmers. The construction and patrolling of the 5614 km long dingo-proof fence, and provision of bounties for dead dingoes, speaks to priorities of government in providing action, but also employment to the bush. The political dimension of the ongoing extermination of a species seen as a pastoral threat should remind us of the sad demise of the Tasmanian Tiger.

Printing process photos

The larger design developed from small rubber studies, these transferred onto wood blocks for carving and printing. Rubber works best with oily ink and brayer while wood is needed for the traditional Japanese techniques using brushes and water based inks.