South Australian farmers fear an increase in wild dog numbers due to the dingo status

The Wilkerr population inhabits three national parks in northwestern Victoria and the Ngarkat Conservation Park in South Australia. This population is a totem species for the Indigenous Wotjobaluk people. Researchers note that land clearing for agriculture has led to the isolation of livestock animals and inbreeding, while poisoning has contributed to further population decline. Professor Euan Ritchie believes that farmers can apply non-lethal methods of plant protection, including fencing, as well as the use of guard livestock animals such as Maremma dogs and donkeys.

This year, the Victorian authorities have already recognized dingoes in the state's northeast as a vulnerable species, which requires farmers to obtain a special permit to shoot, trap, or poison them on private lands. If the federal center protects the Wilkerr population, the Victorian government will not be able to overturn this decision, and South Australian landowners will face similar restrictions.

Brad Page, a representative of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia, expressed concerns that granting critically endangered status would lead to a sharp increase in the animal population and jeopardize the local sheep industry valued at 1.7 billion dollars. In addition, he questioned the scientific validity of the genetic studies underlying the dingo protection initiative, pointing out serious questions raised by scientists. Previously, the agency held meetings on wild dog population management in Pinnaroo and Shaw. The federal Department of Environment plans to hold extensive consultations, including a public comment period of at least 30 working days.