Over the last 50 years, there have been real changes in our understanding of how to manage wildlife. The old notions of 'lock them away in a suitable habitat and leave them' has been replaced as we learn more about animals food sources, territorial behavour, predator-prey relations and even critical size gene pools.

A specialised branch of this work deals with wild populations that co-exist, or in some situations, interact with humans in tourist wilderness areas.

UNDER FORESTRY MANAGEMENT



Bill Geissler (Snr) caught these dingoes in 1925 at Central Forestry Station. It is possibly the first known photographs of the dogs. Note their magnificent condition. photo compliments
W & L Geissler

Despite the fact that the QPWS held 100% perfect record on Fraser Island ( 1971 - 1991 ) the service decided in 1991 to begin managing the dingo and people.

This seems to be similar to the base line foundation formula of the strategy developed for Fraser Island, the theory being that if both humans and dingoes are to continue to occupy the same wilderness area, then constraints have to be placed on all involved.

UNDER FORESTRY MANAGEMENT



Condition of Dingo in 1982.
photo by Peter Slater

It would be logical to question whether there is any precedence for this type of policy proposal before QPWS management on Fraser Island.

Not so.

Were there any constraints placed on all involved by previous managers?

No.

SO WHY IS IT NECESSARY NOW?

The community is entitled to seek answers?

UNDER FORESTRY MANAGEMENT



Forestry Department ran a proven, successful opposing policy on feeding dingoes scraps
(no repetitive death, major attacks or bites)
photo by author

UNDER CURRENT MANAGEMENT

Left.Condition of Dingo in 1998.
photo courtesy of Mayborough Chronicle.

Above..Deprived of historical food by the current management regime.
photo by author.

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