Utilising aversive conditioning to manage the behaviour of K’gari (Fraser Island) dingoes (Canis dingo)

Aversive conditioning shows promise as a non-lethal alternative to lethal control for managing aggressive dingo behavior on K’gari (Fraser Island), reducing risks to human safety. The study reviews eight experimental approaches, including electric fencing, chemical repellents, and fear-evoking stimuli, with some—like exclusion fencing and personal protection tools—offering effective mitigation. However, methods such as conditioned taste aversion are deemed ineffective. While not a universal solution, aversive conditioning provides a viable gap-filling strategy in dingo management.

Appleby, R., Smith, B., Bernede, L., & Jones, D. (2017). Utilising aversive conditioning to manage the behaviour of K’gari (Fraser Island) dingoes (Canis dingo). Pacific Conservation Biology, 23(4), 335–358. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc17017