A significant genetic study has unveiled that Australia’s so-called “wild dogs” are predominantly dingoes, redefining the discussions surrounding conservation and wildlife management in the region.
Australian dingo. Image credit: Charcolot.
“Dingoes fulfill a vital ecological role in the Australian ecosystem, being the only terrestrial apex predator on the mainland (and some offshore islands) since their arrival over 3,000 years ago,” stated Yassin Souilmi, a researcher at the University of Adelaide.
“They hold immense cultural significance for many Indigenous Australians, frequently appearing in ancestral songlines as essential contributors to ecological and cultural balance.”
“However, dingoes have historically clashed with livestock farmers since the colonial era (the 1800s), leading to extensive dingo management strategies implemented throughout Australia.”
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers examined over 300 free-roaming dogs across Australia and discovered that only 11.7% of their DNA originated from domestic dogs.
These domestic DNA levels were highest in southeastern Australia, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales, while being significantly lower in remote northern and western regions.
“Over the decades, various genetic tests have produced conflicting results regarding the composition of dingoes, which are descended from European dogs and free-roaming animals,” Dr. Souilmi explained.
“Our research utilized pre-colonial dingo DNA as a true benchmark to clarify this discrepancy, concluding that the majority of free-roaming dogs in Australia are indeed primarily dingoes.”
This revelation is supported by ancient DNA records and has profound implications for species classification and population management.
“The term ‘wild dog’ obscures crucial biological and cultural distinctions. Dingoes are fundamentally different from feral dogs,” Dr. Souilmi emphasized.
“Future wildlife management strategies should incorporate local insights and work closely with Australia’s Indigenous communities, who have long regarded dingoes as companions and relatives.”
This innovative testing technology maintains accuracy with a minimal number of DNA markers, paving the way for large-scale, cost-effective ancestry screening.
“Our test’s reliability with minimal markers means that ancestry screening can now be routinely employed,” explained lead author Dr. Shamsunder Ravishankar, also from the University of Adelaide.
“Wildlife organizations can now achieve dependable results without needing extensive whole-genome budgets.”
The study categorized Australian dingoes into eight genetically distinct populations, including two newly identified groups in northern and central Australia.
Considering domestic dog ancestry, the findings revealed that southeastern populations exhibit far less genetic diversity compared to those in northern and central regions.
Dingoes from the Mallee (Great Desert) in northwest Victoria stood out, showcasing even lower ancestral diversity than the small, isolated Kugari population.
“Eliminating the domestic dog component alters our understanding,” stated co-author Dr. Ní Chau Nguyen, also from the University of Adelaide.
“While the ancestors of domestic dogs increased the overall genetic variation among southeastern dingoes, they simultaneously compromised some genetic traits that distinguish these dingoes.”
“Our research also corroborated previous studies indicating that gene flow from European dogs to dingoes peaked in the mid-20th century, especially during the 1960s, coinciding with rapid post-war population growth and agricultural expansion in southeastern Australia.”
For detailed findings, see the published study in the journal Conservation Letters.
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Shamsundar Ravishankar et al. 2026. European dog admixture inference based on paleogenomics allows for scalable dingo conservation. Conservation Letters 19 (3): e70052; doi: 10.1111/con4.70052
Source: www.sci.news
