Myall Lakes Dingo/Dapin Project
The Myall Lakes Dingo/Dapin Project (MLDP) takes place on Worimi Country in coastal NSW and is working to deepen our understanding of dingo behaviour and ecology, and to inform ecologically and culturally sensitive management of this iconic apex predator, towards improved outcomes for dingoes, communities and Country.
Approximately eight family groups (or packs) of dingoes call the eastern section of Myall Lakes home, and the MLDPs annual population surveys indicate a reasonably stable population of approximately 27 dingoes spread between these packs.
Our research focuses on the lives and influence of these dingo families on the surrounding ecosystem and their interactions with people and other species. We use several approaches including camera-traps, direct observations and radio-collars to do this. Usually, one member of each pack is fitted with a GPS radio collar which allows the research team to track the dingoes and collect data on their movements, behaviour, and interactions.
Each dingo family breeds once per year in their own territory, which they defend from other dingoes. DNA research, also conducted at UNSW Sydney by Dr Kylie Cairns, has confirmed that the dingoes in eastern Myall Lakes are of high genetic purity. This indicates that the dingoes have not bred with domestic dogs despite having considerable opportunities to do so, given their presence in and around the towns of the region.
Research conducted by the Myall Lakes Dingo/Dapin Project focuses on collaborating with local land managers, to monitor and manage interactions between dingoes and people. Ultimately the goal is to ensure that local residents and visitors can live alongside dingoes, while the dingoes themselves are allowed to fulfil their role as a culturally and ecologically important predator in the ecosystem.
The Myall Lakes Dingo/Dapin Project research team share learnings with on-ground managers and key project partners through regular working group meetings. Information is shared on research updates relevant to management, allowing our research to inform targeted, individual-focused, evidence-based management outcomes. .
The Myall Lakes Dingo/Dapin Project (MLDP) is a collaboration (established 2019) between the Centre for Ecosystem Science at UNSW, Taronga Conservation Society, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and MidCoast Council.
