The Dingo Debate: Origins, Behaviour and Conservation

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Dingo Debate explores the intriguing and relatively unknown story of Australias most controversial animal the dingo. Throughout its existence, the dingo has been shaped by its interactions with human societies. With this as a central theme, the book traces the story of the dingo from its beginnings as a semi-domesticated wild dog in South-east Asia, to its current status as a wild Australian native animal under threat of extinction. It describes how dingoes made their way to Australia, their subsequent relationship with Indigenous Australians, their successful adaption to the Australian landscape and their constant battle against the agricultural industry. During these events, the dingo has demonstrated an unparalleled intelligence and adaptable nature seen in few species. The book concludes with a discussion of what the future of the dingo in Australia might look like, what we can learn from our past relationship with dingoes and how this can help to allow a peaceful co-existence. The Dingo Debate reveals the real dingo beneath the popular stereotypes, providing an account of the dingos behaviour, ecology, impacts and management according to scientific and scholarly evidence rather than hearsay. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in Australian natural history, wild canids, and the relationship between humans and carnivores.

Reviews

The editor and ve additional experts have done a masterful job of bringing together facts, prejudices and folklore about the quintessential-ly Australian ]immigrant, the dingo."
- Biological Conservation

Author Bio

Dr Bradley Smith is a Research Fellow in Human and Animal Psychology. He has spent the last decade conducting experimental and observational studies of dingoes in both captive and wild settings, and investigating the dingos controversial past. He currently serves as director of the Australian Dingo Foundation and scientific advisor for one of Australias largest dingo sanctuaries.

With contributions by Rob Appleby, Chris Johnson, Damian Morrant, Peter Savolainen and Lyn Watson.