Arabic version: مزارعو جنوب أستراليا يخشون حماية دينغو ويلكير

According to ABC News, South Australian farmers near the Victorian border fear a proposed federal protection order for the Wilkerr dingo population could make it harder to protect livestock from wild dogs. The federal government is assessing whether the isolated population should be recognised as critically endangered, with a decision due by 2029.

Wilkerr is a totem species for the Wotjobaluk First Nations people. The dingo sub-population lives across three national parks in north-east Victoria and Ngarkat Conservation Park in South Australia, and is one of eight genetically distinct dingo sub-populations in Australia. Big Desert Dingo Research, the Australian Dingo Foundation and the Dingo Conservancy submitted nominations for protection.

Farmer Tony Thomas, whose property is south of Pinnaroo, said he was concerned about wild dogs crossing from nearby Ngarkat National Park. He said he moved sheep from 121.4 hectares of grazing land to avoid attacks and increase feed. Better rainfall after years of drought had increased lamb numbers, he said, heightening his concern about losses.

Wildlife ecologist Euan Ritchie said land clearing for farming had isolated the population, contributing to inbreeding, while poisoning had caused further decline. He said there could be about 100 or fewer adult Wilkerr and suggested non-lethal livestock protections, including fencing and guardian animals such as Maremma dogs and donkeys.

SA primary industries department biosecurity officer Brad Page said a critically endangered listing could increase numbers and jeopardise the state’s $1.7 billion sheep industry. He also questioned the genetic research behind the proposal. A federal environment department spokesperson said there would be widespread consultation, including at least 30 business days for public submissions, to assess whether Wilkerr faces extinction risk.