The myth of wild dogs in Australia: are there any out there?

摘要: Hybridisation between wild and domestic canids is a global conservation management issue. In Australia, dingoes are distinct lineage of wild-living canid with controversial domestication status. They mainland Australia’s apex terrestrial predator. There ongoing concern that the identity has been threatened from breeding dogs, feral dogs have established populations in rural Australia. We collate results microsatellite DNA testing 5039 to explore patterns dog ancestry observations across continent. Only 31 were detected, challenging perception widespread First generation dingo × dog hybrids similarly rare, only 27 individuals identified. Spatial genetic Australia identified dingo northern, western central largely free introgression. Our findings challenge virtually extinct common. A shift terminology would better reflect these allow more nuanced debate about balance