RESEARCH
DNA Research Program
The DNA research program commenced in 1996. This was a collaborative effort with geneticist Dr Alan Wilton [School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales]. Since then we have managed to conserve and test over two hundred animals on our conservation register and have supplied a large number of wild samples. DNA research has confirmed and highlighted the alarming extent of hybridity in dingo populations.
Dr David Jenkins, Barry Oakman [past president of the ADCA] and Department of Environment and Climate Change [DECC] NSW scientist taking blood samples for research as benchmark sample for research on parasites and other infections in wild dog populations.
Photo of wild dog on the board showing a tracking collar and DNA samples taken by DECC NSW for research on wild dog movements in Kosciusko National Park.
We have established a mutually co-operative relationship with the State Wild Dog Advisory Committee in Western Australia to research good populations of core habitat dingoes for conservation. We are seeking the same relationship with the Department of Conservation and the Environment in Western Australia.
The ADCA is managing the conservation breeding program for dingoes and the Australian Species Management Program for Dingoes which was handed to us by the Australian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria.
The dingo is managed in this program according to wild species management principles and as a wild canid. Wherever possible we manage captive dingoes with minimal contact with humans so the dingo retains it's inherent wariness of man. The aim is to eventually have release programs into well resourced sanctuaries in wilderness areas, which are protected and where the dingo can exist naturally.
The ADCA attended a preliminary meeting at the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development [Victoria] with the Norwood Animal Conservation Group to discuss a Dingo Species Recovery Program and Artificial Insemination. We are foundation members of the steering committee for the National Dingo Preservation and Recovery Program [NDPRP].
The ADCA
- is a stake holder in Dingo Permit Review Working Group for the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria;
- assists the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service Wild Dingo Management and Research in north-east NSW;
- is an active participant in the Wild Dog Management Plan in accordance with Pest Animal Management committees across Australia;
- assists in Livestock Guardian dog research for the benefit of agriculture and ecology.
