Pure-bred dingoes on verge of extinction due to cross breeding with dogs

IN THE wild they are one of our most dangerous predators, but dingoes could hold the key to the survival of some of the country's most threatened animals. 

 
Research suggests some endangered animals only exist in the wild where packs of pure-bred dingoes are found.
Pure-bred dingoes are on the verge of extinction because of cross breeding with domestic dogs and state-based eradication programs to protect agricultural livestock.

Scientists believe there will be no pure dingoes in the wild within 20 years.

Head curator at the Australian Reptile Park at Gosford, Tim Faulkner, said dingoes were one of the country's most misunderstood animals.

"Dingoes keep foxes and cats out of their territories. Dingoes are pack hunters and prey on larger animals like kangaroos and emus and leave other smaller animals alone," he said.

"It's only become apparent in the last few years that dingoes hold the key to all these species."
Two new star attractions at the Australian Reptile Park, six-week-old female dingo pups, will be the centrepiece of an annual month-long campaign highlighting the plight of our endangered species.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/indepth/pure-bred-dingoes-on-verge-of-extinction-due-to-cross-breeding-with-dogs/story-e6frewsr-1225886880892

http://www.timfaulkner.com.au/