Webinar: Understanding the Waragul (Dingo) - Evolution, Genetics, and Ecological Role

Few Canberran's would realise that only 40 minutes from the nation's capital, an apex predator roams the high country as it has for millenia - the Waragul (Ngunnawal for Dingo).

Yet, despite their long presence on our island continent, confusion still remains regarding the dingo’s evolutionary history, genetic makeup, and what actually constitutes a dingo versus a ‘wild dog’. The dingo’s role as an apex predator in Australian ecosystems is also contentious - debate continues over how to weigh their ecological value against the challenges they pose for land managers and livestock producers. 

Join us for an exciting presentation from two leading researchers at the University of New South Wales, Dr Kylie Cairns, and PhD Candidate James Vandersteen, who will discuss their work on dingo genetics and evolution, and the dingo’s role in structuring ecosystems and conserving biodiversity in Australia.

This webinar offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the conservation scientists whose work looks to unravel these questions. Their ground-breaking research directly informs best-practice, evidence-based dingo management, both in Australia and in the ACT, where dingo management policy is currently under review. This research, and the actions it informs, is vital to ensuring dingoes remain part of Australian ecosystems. 

About the speakers:

• Dr. Kylie Cairns is a post- doctoral researcher specializing in wildlife genetics and conservation biology. Dr Cairns' ground-breaking work focuses on the genetic makeup of dingoes, investigating their evolutionary history and ecological role in Australia. 

• James Vandersteen is a PhD candidate investigating the role of dingoes as apex predators in the Namadgi National Park. James' research examines how dingoes influence entire food webs, from introduced predators and kangaroos to small mammals and vegetation. 

Please note this webinar will be held via Zoom. A Zoom link will be provided to participants following registration. 

A recording will be made available after the event.