Satellite images taken over three decades show that keeping dingoes out comes at a price.

The study, recently published in Landscape Ecology, pairs 32 years’ worth of satellite imagery with site-based field research on both sides of the Dingo Fence in the Strzelecki Desert.

The researchers found that vegetation inside the fence — that is, areas without dingoes — had poorer long-term growth than vegetation in areas with dingoes.

«Dingoes indirectly affect vegetation by controlling numbers of kangaroos and small mammals,» says Professor Mike Letnic, senior author of the study and researcher at UNSW’s Centre for Ecosystem Science.

«When dingoes are removed, kangaroo numbers increase, which can lead to overgrazing. This has follow-on effects to the entire ecosystem.»

The Dingo Fence, which spans across parts of Queensland, NSW and South Australia, was erected in the 1880s to keep dingoes away from livestock. At 5600 kilometres long, it’s one of the longest structures in the world.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of New South Wales. Original written by Sherry Landow. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.