Indigenous group outraged after Australia kills dingoes linked to backpacker’s death
Fears that killing of dingoes after backpacker’s death could create ‘extinction vortex’
- Australian authorities euthanised six dingoes on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) following the death of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James.
- Queensland officials stated the culling was for public safety after rangers observed aggressive behaviour from a pack believed to have surrounded James's body.
- A preliminary autopsy indicated James's death was consistent with drowning, but also found injuries consistent with dingo bites, though pre-mortem bites likely did not cause immediate death.
- The Butchulla people, K’gari’s traditional owners, expressed disappointment and frustration, stating they were not consulted before the dingoes were euthanised.
- Wildlife experts warned that culling could harm the island's genetically isolated dingo population, which already shows high levels of inbreeding, potentially leading to an 'extinction vortex'.
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks