Conservation concerns associated with low genetic diversity for K’gari–Fraser Island dingoes

The dingo population on K’gari (Fraser Island) exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity compared to mainland populations, with a fourfold reduction in effective population size. This finding, derived from an analysis of 9 microsatellite loci across 175 K’gari and 264 mainland dingo samples, reveals strong genetic differentiation between the island and mainland groups. The study attributes these patterns to founder effects and bottlenecks, common in small, isolated island populations. As the first large-scale genetic assessment for K’gari dingoes, this research underscores the need for genetic and demographic monitoring to mitigate human-induced mortality risks and ensure long-term conservation success.

Conroy, G. C., Lamont, R. W., Bridges, L., Stephens, D., Wardell-Johnson, A., & Ogbourne, S. M. (2021). Conservation concerns associated with low genetic diversity for K’gari–Fraser Island dingoes. Scientific Reports, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-89056-z