Danielle Stephens

Project: Developing DNA-based monitoring techniques for improved management of wild dogs

I am  working within the ‘best practise for wild canid and felid management‘ project, to evaluate the implementation of DNA technologies to better inform management of wild dogs in Australia. Techniques explored include non-invasive monitoring of dog abundance; testing for dingo purity in wild dogs across Australia; examining barriers to gene flow and determining the size of interbreeding populations in Western Australia

Wild dogs are widespread and efficient predators that have a large impact on agricultural industries and native biodiversity. Non-invasive DNA-based techniques provide opportunities to efficiently monitor changes in the abundance of wild dogs. This project will compare the quantity and quality of DNA obtained from different non-invasive sources and sampling techniques, in order to select the best method for monitoring dogs through baiting cycles.

A nation-wide survey of the purity and genetic diversity of selected dingo populations will also be conducted, using donated tissue samples from people and organisations involved in wild dog management. Across Western Australia, this type of analysis will be extended to evaluate the size of interbreeding populations and the average movement patterns of dogs according to their level of relatedness. By performing this type of analysis I hope to identify the geographic scale at which wild dog management will be most effective. This project will provide a new perspective on the ecology of wild dogs, and greatly increase the amount of knowledge available to inform management plans.

This study is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Food (WA), the Rangelands NRM Coordinating Group, the University of WA, the IA CRC, the Department of Environment and Conservation, and BHP Billiton.

Progress

The Wild Dog DNA project has received an incredible response from land managers, with over 3,000 tissue samples sent in from across the country.

Due to the large number of samples sent in and the enthusiasm for results from project participants, sampling will now be concluding on the 30th of September 2009, rather than the end of this year as previously advised. Samples received after this date will be stored and may be used in future research projects. Samples from WA will continue to be accepted until the end of 2009, and used to study movement patterns within and between regions.

Thanks to the assistance of hundreds of people involved in wild dog management, this project will be the largest dedicated survey of dingo purity ever undertaken. More information is available at the link at right.

Background

Bachelor of Science (Hons), University of Adelaide, 2005 (majors in Zoology and Genetics).

I have spent several years working and studying in the field of molecular evolution.  I decided to transfer my lab training to invasive species management as I was interested in all areas at the intersection of animal biology and genetics, particularly the potential for applying new genetic techniques to environmental problems.

Publications and Presentations

• Contributed articles to WA pastoral memos (for 2 regions), Pastoralists and Graziers Association and WA biosecurity newsletters (November 2008)
• Australasian Wildlife Management Society Conference, Fremantle (November 2008). Title: “A Snapshot of Genetic Purity in Australian Dingoes”
• Presentation at Pastoralists and Graziers Association Annual Meeting, Kalgoorlie (4th July 2008). Title:” The West Australian Wild Dog DNA Project: an Overview”
• Media release for Western Australian regional press (October 2008)
• Presentation to the School of Animal Biology, UWA (November 2008) Title: “A Snapshot of Genetic Purity in Australian Dingoes”
• Radio interview, ABC Karratha (June 2009)