Wild Dog DNA to Help With Control

Wild dogs continue to be the significant pest species on the North Coast with 80% of all calls received by Local Land Services Biosecurity Officers relating to wild dogs. To better understand wild dog populations and to improve future management, North Coast Local Land Services are seeking the assistance of the community to gather information on wild dog genetics by providing samples from any wild dogs that are controlled as part of their regular management programs.

These samples will be tested to determine the genetic makeup (how much dingo vs domestic dog genetics) and the relatedness (how they are related to each other) of wild dogs. This information will be used to help local and regional wild dog control groups better target their management activity.

By knowing which dog is related to which other dogs, we can work out the size of the area local people have to consider for effective control of livestock predation. We can also work out which neighbouring groups need to liaise for better control.

The success of the program will be reliant on Local Land Services getting good samples from the community. By involving community members in the DNA research, there is the opportunity to build a better understanding of the issue, and this will lead to greater involvement in local control programs. Local Land Services is keen to recognise participation in the Wild Dog DNA Sampling Project by offering a monthly prize draw of a $250 voucher to your local produce store, firearms dealer or trapping supply store for eligible participants who submit samples.

If you’d like to get involved in the project, please complete an Online Enquiry Form - Include  Wild Dog DNA Sampling Project in the subject.  For further information, please contact Tiffany Felton Senior Biosecurity Officer M: 0427 458 591 or  E: tiffany.felton@lls.nsw.gov.au