March 14, 2019
It was first proposed in 1793 that the dingo was a distinct species rather than a type of dog, although others have argued that they are a ‘wild dog’ that likely came to Australia with humans from Asia 4,000 years ago. These researchers however state that there is no historical evidence of domestication of the dingo either prior to, nor after, their arrival in Australia. Their classification is important, as native fauna are protected by management strategies enforced by the government, whereas invasive species (including wild dogs) can be killed in some areas by landowners without a license. Reclassifying them as their own species would be beneficial to their protection and other native species. Studies have shown that dingoes play an important ecological role in Australia; they outcompete invasive species such as feral cats and foxes, so protecting them is beneficial to the environment.
Source: Science Daily
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