New evidence: dingoes are distinct from domestic dogs.
Dingoes are not domestic dogs but on their own evolutionary path, new evidence shows. This classification affects conservation and cultural recognition.
Why it matters
- Clarifies dingo conservation status and cultural significance.
- Influences how dingoes are managed and protected.
By the numbers
- Dingoes meet criteria for distinct species: genetic, behavioral, ecological, archaeological evidence.
- Thousands of years on a separate evolutionary path.
The big picture
- Dingoes should be classified as Canis dingo or Canis lupus dingo.
- Proper classification aids conservation and aligns with Indigenous knowledge.
What they're saying
- Long-debated classification; article clarifies implications.
- Anecdotal evidence supports distinct behavior in hybrids.
Caveats
- Taxonomic debates are complex; may need further review.
What’s next
- Proposed independent review to resolve debate and inform policy.