Reintroducing the dingo: the risk of dingo predation to threatened vertebrates of western New South Wales

摘要: Context. The reintroduction of dingoes into sheep-grazing areas south-east the dingo barrier fence has been suggested as a mechanism to suppress fox and feral-cat impacts. Using Western Division New South Wales case study, Dickman et al. (2009) recently assessed risk cat predation extant threatened species concluded that reintroducing area would have positive effects for most vertebrates there, aiding their recovery through trophic cascade effects. However, they did not formally assess same species. Aims. To locally extinct western using methods amenable comparison with (2009). Methods. predation-risk assessment method used in foxes cats was applied here dingoes, minor modification accommodate dietary differences dingoes. This is based on six independent biological attributes, primarily reflective potential vulnerability characteristics prey. Individual attribute scores were derive an overall score. Key results. Up 75 (94%) 80 predicted be at (71% high risk) regardless any effect might or cats. Upto 17 21 (81%) this approach. re-establishment even low-density populations may negative least 22% vertebrates. Conclusions. generic risk-assessment insensitive, experienced difficulty describing true nature canid risk. Despite weakness, however, it clear several are susceptible predation. Prior we recommend risks all (threatened otherwise) more sensitive descriptive techniques, strongly caution against management under current ecological conditions. Implications. results study imply present similar levels direct feral cats, should considered proposal encouraging Wales.