This page was formally 'Working Dingoes Saving Wildlife.' was established in 2020 and is a registered charity with the ACNC. Our association objectives are to:
- Contribute to the conservation of, and coexistence with, Australian wildlife, particularly dingoes
- Participate in and promote research that contributes to knowledge about Australian wildlife and wildlife management practices
- Provide i
nformation and education to the public about Australian wildlife and wildlife management practices, based on scientific work and other reputable sources
- Provide support to the community, and community organisations, in conserving and coexisting with Australian wildlife
- Provide feedback on policies, legislation and management practices that relate to wildlife management. When Zoologist, Shakira Todd relocated back to North Queensland in late 2016, the furry faces of the Working Dingoes Saving Wildlife project, Austin and Aayla, soon followed. They settled into their new forever home at Wildlife Surrounds, a 40-acre rural property at Mount Surround, North Queensland. Austin and Aayla, now happily share their habitat with two other dingoes, Jarli and Jiemba. Together they are integral members of the Wildlife Surrounds family, and are enthusiastic conservation ambassadors, contributing to wildlife education and research. The dingoes, alongside other wildlife receive regular visits from volunteers, students, and guests during educational tours.
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This page was previously 'Working Dingoes Saving Wildlife'. Below is a summary of the former page description:
Australia is home to many unique animals, but it has the highest mammal extinction rate, losing 30 species since European colonization. Feral animals, fire regime changes, vegetation clearing, and invasive species contribute to this threat. The government has targeted feral cats and rabbits to protect native species. Dingoes, Australia’s apex predators, help maintain biodiversity by preying on herbivores and feral animals, thereby promoting plant growth and reducing threats to small mammals. Despite being vulnerable, dingoes can naturally manage ecosystems.
1080 poison, used to control feral animals, is controversial due to its toxicity and impact on non-target species. In 2015, zoologist Shakira Todd proposed using dingoes at Eynesbury Woodland to enhance biodiversity and control pests without 1080. The plan involves Austin and Aayla, a dingo pair, in a fenced reserve to naturally manage the ecosystem. Expected outcomes include reduced grazing pressure, lower predation on native mammals, and valuable ecological data. This innovative approach offers a sustainable pest management alternative and highlights the role of predators in ecological balance.
