Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)
Australian Mammalogy, Vol.47(1), pp.1-13
2025
Abstract
Small, isolated populations such as those found on islands are at an increased risk of extinction. This includes K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes). Although aspects of wongari ecology and behaviour are well documented, much about population dynamics remains uncertain. Even where relevant research has been conducted (e.g. population abundance), results remain equivocal. We conducted a population viability analysis (PVA) to investigate the influence of different abundance estimates, along with variable rates of mortality, carrying capacity, catastrophes and breeding success on extinction probability. In favourable, undisturbed conditions, modelling showed a high probability of population persistence over 50 and 100 years. Consistently high levels of mortality resulted in increased extinction probabilities, especially at low- and mid-level population sizes. Promiscuous breeding behaviour, higher female breeding success, and higher male availability reduced extinction probabilities. Our approach demonstrated the utility of population viability analysis for identifying important factors that meaningfully contribute to wongari extinction risk. However, inferences and actionable recommendations for managers were limited owing to a paucity of information for certain, critical parameters. Our findings highlighted the need for better data on wongari reproduction and mortality to help fill significant knowledge gaps required to accurately predict the long-term survival of this iconic population.
Details
- Title
- A population viability analysis of K’gari (Fraser Island) wongari (dingoes)
- Authors
- Robert Appleby (Corresponding Author) - Griffith UniversityBradley P. Smith - Central Queensland UniversityDarryl Jones - Griffith UniversityGabriel Conroy - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringLinda Behrendorff - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- Australian Mammalogy, Vol.47(1), pp.1-13
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1071/AM23009
- ISSN
- 1836-7402; 0310-0049
- Copyright note
- © 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the Australian Mammal Society. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
- Data Availability
- Data files used to produce results are available by contacting the corresponding author via email.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991108044402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
86 File views/ downloads
41 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Zoology
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites