By Potoroo Palace staff
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UNTIL recently, dingoes have been believed to be descended from the wolf and classified scientifically as such.
For the first time, scientists have confirmed that it is a species in its own right.
The dingo has been misunderstood for 200 years and new evidence and research are revealing the facts to us more clearly.
According to University of NSW ecologist Dr Mike Letnic the dingo “…is a distinct form of canid”.
Mathew Crowther, research leader from the University of Sydney, said the appropriate scientific classification is “Canis dingo”.
This revelation came after a group of Sydney scientists found there was no scientific description of the animal.
The lack of official status has meant they are often confused with wild dogs and considered a pest to farmers for killing livestock.
Research continues to show that by letting dingoes exist in the wild, pests such as feral cats, foxes and rabbits can be controlled and ecosystems restored.
Some graziers are aware that dingoes eat large numbers of kangaroos, which compete with cattle for food, and also wild pigs, which can attack and kill calves.
Researchers have concluded that the dingoes’ presence has significant positive effects for biodiversity, conservation and economics.
Despite this evidence, the dingo is the only Australian native animal not covered by any Cruelty to Animal Laws, except in Victoria where it is on the Threatened Species List.
There are five dingoes to be seen at Potoroo Palace.
Shylow and Djingo share one enclosure and are pure-bred alpine dingoes.
Rusty, Wandi and Misty are all together next door.
Rusty is an old timer and was already living at the wildlife park before it changed hands to become Potoroo Palace.
He was alone in his enclosure for several years before being joined by his two female companions more recently.
The three of them have all benefited from the companionship and can sometimes be seen taking turns sunning on their log.