Course:CONS200/2023WT1/The trial of Azaria Chamberlain and Impacts on Perceptions of Dingoes

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Introduction

Dingoes (Canis Familiaris, Canis dingo) were the only placental mammals existing in Australia other than Indigenous peoples when the first European settlers arrived in the country in 1606[1]. Their existence was subject to various studies to understand where and when these Australian wild dogs originated from and their role in the Australian ecosystem. As a keystone species, their survival is directly linked to the health and biodiversity of many native species. Species that would have co-evolved with the dingoes around 4000 to 8000 years ago[1][2]. In 1980 the dingoes would be brought further into the public eye when a horrific incident occurred. On August 17th, 1980, a nine-week-old baby, by the name of Azaria Chamberlain, would be taken by a Dingo and never seen again. The event made headlines around the world and the blame was placed on the parents of the infant. The parents, Lindy Chamberlain was sentenced to life in prison, while Michael Chamberlain received jail time. The couple were eventually released and exonerated of charges following discoveries in the case, proving that a dingo did take Azaria Chamberlain. Following this widespread event, the once-thought-timid dingoes have gained a new reputation[3]. These changes in dingo perception have had an impact on the conservation practices of these important species, resulting in various effects and degradations on the ecosystem.

History of Dingoes

Arrival in Australia

Retrieved from: TSUinternational Tarleton State University

The Australian dingoes share a skeletal morphology that overlaps both wolves and domesticated dogs[4]. Archaeological records using the earliest found evidence of dingoes ~3500 years ago, place the origins of dingoes to Australia 3500 to 12,00 years ago from domesticated dogs of East Asian origin[1]. This migration of a terrestrial animal would have been quite difficult given that an open ocean crossing of 50km was necessary regardless of the route, increasing the likelihood that the original dingo ancestor arrived on sea vessels with humans[1]. The two hypotheses given for the arrival of the dingo are from a geographical perspective due to the proximity of the South Asian archipelago, and morphological analysis of the similarities between dingoes and Indian wolves, suggesting an Indian origin through maritime settlers[5]. However, mtDNA analysis strongly suggests an East Asian origin rather than an Indian origin is more likely[1]. Furthermore, DNA analysis, indicates that the modern dingo population originated from a single pregnant female or a small group of dogs[1].

Appearance, Habitats, and Range

Distribution of dingoes in Australia. The thick black line represents the dingo fence. Retrieved from Cairns, et al. 2018.

dingoes are similar to medium-sized dogs, standing more than 60cm high and weighing between 12-23kg. They are built to be lean, with large ears, and a tail that often has a white tip. The most common coat colour for the dingo is sandy-yellow but may also be black and tan, as the coat colour is affected by where in Australia the dingo lives. Their geographical range spans all of Australia except for Tasmania. They are mostly social animals living in packs of 3-12 members, each pack having a discrete non-overlapping territory[6]. However, due to human disturbances in social structures and distribution, it is not uncommon to find dingoes alone or in pairs[7]. In these packs, dingoes hunt larger animals for meat but are also opportunistic predators that will eat whatever is available in the area[8]. Generally, lone or smaller packs will hunt smaller prey[9]. They eat at least 229 different vertebrate species, depending on their bioclimatic zones[8]. Their historic geographical range spanned across Australia but today are sparse and absent in parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia[10]. This distribution pattern coincides with the Dingo fence built in the 1950s.

Importance of Dingoes in Australia

Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) are a native Australian species vital as a predator in the ecosystems of the Australian outback[11]. Dingoes are a dominant predator contributing to the maintenance of ecological equilibrium in Australia’s natural ecosystems. Maintenance and restoration of species interactions is an important goal of global conservation and biodiversity. In Australia, evidence shows that as the largest top-order predators, dingoes have major effects on the health and functioning of the ecosystem[9]. For example, dingoes prey on invasive mesopredators such as foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and cats (Felis catus), which have contributed to the severe decline of medium-sized Australian mammals over the last 200 years[12][13]. The generalist predation habits of the dingoes also have many indirect effects that contribute to the overall stability and health of the Australian ecosystem[14]. For example, as they hunt the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Kangaroos (Macropodidae), and other herbivores, the issues of overgrazing of vegetation communities are reduced[9]. The role of the dingo in Australia's varied ecosystems would not have a suitable replacement if the dingo were to be removed, resulting in a cascading effect on all species.

Rock painting of a dingo and Ancestral figure, Laura region, Queensland, Australia.[15]

Historical Relationship with Dingoes

Dingoes occupy a profound and meaningful role within the spiritual and cultural traditions of certain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These communities have a deep connection with the land, its wildlife, and the natural environment, integral to their identity and cultural practices. In Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and creation myths, the dingo is often featured as a central character, symbolizing intelligence, adaptability, and survival skills. dingoes' presence in their natural environment is seen as a symbol of a healthy ecosystem. Upon the arrival of European settlers to Australia dingoes were mostly wild creatures, with some living in semi-domesticated states helping aboriginal peoples to hunt[1]. As they are generally more independent-minded than dogs, full domestication of dingoes has proved difficult[1].

Azaria Chamberlain Event

Summary

Azaria with her mother Lindy Chamberlain at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in 1980.

The Azaria Chamberlain case was a significant event in Australian history. The case involved the disappearance of a nine-week-old baby, Azaria Chamberlain, from a campsite her family was staying at near Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the Northern Territory of Australia on August 17, 1980. Her mother, Lindy Chamberlain, claimed that a dingo had taken Azaria, while authorities suspected foul play. The case amassed massive amounts of media attention, rendering it one of the most sensational and divisive legal cases in Australian history. Lindy Chamberlain was initially found guilty of murdering her daughter in 1982, while her husband, Michael Chamberlain, was found guilty of being an accessory. Her mother was sentenced to life in prison, while her father received an 18-month suspended sentence. In 1986, the discovery of Azaria’s jacket near a dingo lair and subsequent testing led to the release of Lindy Chamberlain from prison. A royal commission concluded that a dingo was indeed responsible for Azaria's disappearance. Thus resulting in Lindy Chamberlain's exoneration in 1987. The case had a significant impact on public perception of the Chamberlain's, many people were divided over whether Lindy Chamberlain was innocent or guilty. It also had a lasting impact on the Australian legal system, influencing the way evidence is considered in criminal cases. Lindy Chamberlain was eventually pardoned in 1987, but the case has remained a subject of public fascination and debate for years. In 1988, Azaria Chamberlain’s disappearance was made into the film Evil Angels, which featured Meryl Streep as Lindy Chamberlain.

Effect on Public Dingo Perceptions

Dingoes spotted in an urban center.

Due to their involvement in the Azaria Chamberlain case, Dingoes received significant media attention which led to misconceptions and sensationalized portrayals of dingoes as dangerous predators. Since 2002 there have been 98 serious dingo attacks [16]. In comparison, the amount of serious dingo attacks in modern Australia is very small compared to those attributed to sharks [17]. This fear has influenced public attitudes and policies related to dingoes. In response to public concerns, Australian authorities have implemented policies aimed at controlling dingo populations. Following the Azaria Chamberlain case, there was a heightened awareness about the potential danger dingoes could pose to humans, especially in areas where dingoes and people coexist, such as campgrounds and rural communities[3]. People became more cautious and vigilant, especially when camping or travelling in dingo habitats. Paired alongside increased awareness about Dingoes as a threat, prompted authorities and wildlife management organizations to reevaluate dingo management strategies. Research into dingo behaviour increased to better understand their habits and mitigate potential conflicts with humans[18]. Despite the many negatives brought upon Dingo populations the case also raised awareness about the conservation status of dingoes. Efforts were made to distinguish between purebred dingoes and hybrid dingoes (dingo-dog hybrids) to protect the genetic integrity of the dingo population[19]. Conservationists advocated for the protection of dingoes, emphasizing their ecological importance in Australian ecosystems[11]. The Azaria Chamberlain case led to media-driven misconceptions about dingoes as dangerous predators, despite the low incidence of serious dingo attacks in comparison to shark attacks, influencing public attitudes, policies, and conservation efforts in Australia.

Modern-Day Relationships with Dingoes

Dry Australian outback. By Matthijs van den Berg.

Throughout Australian history, dingoes have been routinely condemned by farmers as relentless killers of domestic livestock (especially sheep)[20]. This unfortunate relationship between farmers and dingoes has vilified dingoes since the colonization and settlement of Australia. In the 1950s a fence was conceived to protect farmers' livestock from dingoes. This fence became known as the Dingo Fence, stretching across the south-eastern region of the country the fence is one of the longest structures in the world, at a length of 5,614 kilometers[21]. Unfortunately, Dingo populations have been largely eliminated from within side the fence and the fence has disrupted the ecosystem and predation patterns of the region. dingoes are currently not endangered but their populations are threatened, at current levels between 10,000 and 50,000. But one of the largest risks currently facing Dingo populations is the preservation of their genes, as there has been increased hybridization with domesticated dogs[22]. As a result partially from the Azaria Chamberlain case, Dingoes have become a popular attraction for tourists. Notably, the dingoes found on Fraser Island in Queensland, are known for their distinctive behaviour and interactions with visitors. Tourism brought in by Dingoes results in a flow of economic benefits. Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, dingoes are considered native wildlife and are protected in national parks.

Present and Future Concerns

Implications of Dingo Management Practices

Dingo and hybrid distribution. Adapted from "The Dingo in Australia and Asia" by Laurie Corbett 1995 University of NSW press, Figure 10.1 on page 166.

The Azaria Chamberlain event, combined with the historical perspective of dingoes as nothing more than pests that prey on the livelihood of farmers and children has resulted in the culling of dingoes in areas with high human populous. This type of predator management has resulted in decreased populations and decreased genetic diversity of dingoes in the southwest corner of Australia. The negative effects of this strategy are now visible from space, as remote sensing by researchers reveals landscape changes driven by the removal of the dingoes[23]. The growth of vegetation on the inside of the dingo fence has been greatly suppressed compared to the vegetation cover on the outside of the fence where genetically pure dingoes are found. Not only does the decreased population of dingoes result in less vegetation in the landscape, but other changes in dingo behaviours and morphology present even more concern. In areas where poison baiting is being used dingoes have grown around 6-9 percent bigger over the past 80 years[24]. These human-induced changes combined with hybridization change the hunting and social patterns of dingoes within the dingo fence, namely in New South Wales and Queensland regions. Congruently to the cull of bolder dingo individuals, the dingoes that live on the east side of the fence have been selected to be wary of humans[3]. It is evident that dingoes have a key role in the preservation of the Australian landscape, but through human interventions and misconceptions, dingoes have been driven further away from human settlements. The price of keeping dingoes out has resulted in a harsh-dry landscape in the areas where humans and native species frequent[23], a pattern akin to the wolves of yellowstone.

A Path Forward

Change in Perception

To alter the management and perception of dingoes, there is a need for a paradigm shift in how these animals are perceived and integrated into the ecological community. Indigenous Australians have historically recognized the dingo as an integral part of the Australian landscape, conveyed through cultural stories and myths. To ensure the conservation of the dingo species, adopting the perspectives held by Indigenous Australians. Seeing dingoes as a symbol of Australian culture and rich heritage.

Achieving this shift in perception necessitates strategic initiatives focused on education and public awareness. By incorporating lessons on the role of dingoes within the landscape into education and celebratory events, perceptions can evolve from regarding dingoes as pests to recognizing them as essential ecosystem regulators. Collaboration between educators and researchers is vital in deepening and disseminating an understanding of dingoes and the diverse benefits they provide to the land, wildlife, and human populations.

Local governments, communities, and educators collectively play a pivotal role in reshaping public perception of dingoes and contributing to the conservation of the Australian wilderness. Through concerted efforts in education, awareness campaigns, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, a more informed and positive view of dingoes can be cultivated, aligning with the goal of preserving Australia's ecological balance and cultural heritage.

Ecotourism

Fraser Island dingoes.

Ecotourism holds the potential to not only contribute to the conservation efforts and well-being of dingo populations but also serves as an economic opportunity for stakeholders experiencing conflicts with dingoes, including farmers and indigenous communities. The development of ecotourism initiatives provides a unique avenue for both educational enhancement and economic empowerment for service providers.

To facilitate the establishment of dingo-focused ecotourism initiatives, mechanisms such as grants and sponsorships can be instituted. These financial supports aim to incentivize and assist individuals or groups interested in creating tourism ventures that educate both tourists and local communities on the significance of safeguarding dingoes and their habitats.

Moreover, the implementation of guidelines for responsible behavior is integral to the success of ecotourism programs. These guidelines, encompassing practices such as maintaining safe distances and proper disposal of food waste to mitigate dingo-human conflicts, contribute to the sustainability of the ecotourism experience. By aligning tourism practices with conservation objectives, ecotourism emerges as a comprehensive strategy that not only supports the ecological health of dingo populations but also fosters economic growth and public awareness.

Indigenous Stewardship and Practices

Aboriginal Australians protesting during a demonstration by Aboriginal rights activists in Melbourne, Australia.

Incorporating Indigenous practices requires a collaborative and respectful approach, valuing both traditional knowledge and contemporary conservation science. Emphasis on the importance of maintaining cultural and spiritual connections to the land. Dingoes, as apex predators, play a natural role in controlling herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing, and reducing the risk of wildfires. The collaboration between Indigenous communities, scientists, and policymakers can enhance conservation efforts by integrating traditional wisdom with modern ecological science. The preservation of dingoes not only supports ecological health but also upholds the cultural identity and traditions of Indigenous peoples, fostering a holistic and sustainable approach to ecosystem management.

Legislation and Regulation

Implementing robust legislation to safeguard dingoes and their habitats and address the adverse impacts of the dingo fence is imperative for the preservation of the Australian wilderness. Regulatory measures can be enforced by the government to curtail the unlawful killing of dingoes and deter the fragmentation of dingo populations through the safeguarding of their habitats. Furthermore, legislative frameworks can play a pivotal role in shaping improved management plans to mitigate instances of conflict between dingoes and humans.

By means of legislation, substantial support can be channeled towards diverse conservation initiatives. This entails the allocation of financial and material resources to various projects, contributing to the broader objective of preserving and enhancing the ecological balance of the Australian wilderness. Such legislative interventions are essential for fostering sustainable coexistence between human activities and the natural habitat, aligning with the imperative to protect and sustain the unique biodiversity of the region.

Conclusion

Dingoes have an important role in the preservation of Australian biodiversity and the landscape they inhabit. However, the trial of Azaria Chamberlain has negatively impacted perceptions of dingoes. This, combined with historical views of dingoes' predatory behavior toward livestock, has led to their exclusion from human settlements. The dingo fence and lethal population controls have resulted in contrasting vegetation health on either side of the fence. This harms native wildlife around human populations, diminishing ecosystem benefits in populous areas. To address this issue, perceptions must change, ecotourism should expand, and legislative regulations need adjustment to ensure coexistence between dingoes and humans.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Savolainen, Peter (2004). "A detailed picture of the origin of the Australian dingo, obtained from the study of mitochondrial DNA". PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
  2. ↑ Letnic, Mike (2011). "Top predators as biodiversity regulators: the dingo Canis lupus dingo as a case study". Biological Reviews. 87: 390–413.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Brumm, Adam (2022). [10.3390/ani12121592 "Before Azaria: A Historical Perspective on Dingo Attacks"] Check |url= value (help). Animals. 12: 1592.
  4. ↑ Clutton-Brock, Juliet (1998). "The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People". Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, U.K.
  5. ↑ Corbett, L (1995). "The Dingo in Australia and Asia". Univ. of New South Wales Press, Sydney.
  6. ↑ Thomson, P.C. (1992). "The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. IV. Soical and spatial organistaion, and movements". Wildlife Research. 19: 543–563.
  7. ↑ Greenville, Aaron; Wardle, Glenda; Ritchie, Euan; Newsome, Thomas (2019). [doi:10.1111/aec.1273 "Demise of the dingo"] Check |url= value (help). Ecology Society of Australia.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Doherty, Tim (2018). "Continental patterns in the diet of a top predator: Australia's dingo". Mammal Review. 49: 31–44.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Glen, A. S.; Dickman, C. R.; Soulé, M. E.; Mackey, B. G. (2007). "Evaluating the role of the dingo as a trophic regulator in Australian ecosystems". Austral Economy. 32: 492–501.
  10. ↑ Cairns, Kylie (2018). "Elucidating biogeographical patterns in Australian native canids using genome wide SNPs". PLOS ONE. 13.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Castle, Geoff (September 2023). "Stuck in the mud: Persistent failure of 'the science' to provide reliable information on the ecological roles of Australian dingoes". Biological Conservation. 285.
  12. ↑ Johnson, Chris N.; VanDerWal, Jeremy (2009). "Evidence that dingoes limit abundance of a mesopredator in eastern Australian forests". Journal of Applied Ecology. 46: 641–646.
  13. ↑ Johnson, C. (2006). "Australia's Mammal Extinctions: A 50 000 Year History". Cambridge University Press.
  14. ↑ Brechtel, Andreas; Gross, Thilo; Drossel, Barbara (2019). "Far-ranging generalist top predators enhance the stability of meta-foodwebs". Sci Rep.
  15. ↑ Fillios, Melanie (March 2016). "Who let the dogs in? A review of the recent genetic evidence for the introduction of the dingo to Australia and implications for the movement of people". Journal of Archaeological Science Reports. 7.
  16. ↑ "Myths and realities: K'gari, Great Sandy National Park". Department of Environment and Science. July 1 2019. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ↑ West, John. G (January 2011). "Changing patterns of shark attacks in Australian waters". Marine and Freshwater Research. 62.
  18. ↑ Boronyak, Louise (2023). "Pathways to coexistence with dingoes across Australian farming landscapes". Frontiers in Conservation Science. 4.
  19. ↑ Brumm, Adam (2021). "Dingoes and domestication". Archaeology in Oceania. 56: 17–31.
  20. ↑ Breckwoldt, Roland (1988). A Very Elegant Animal the Dingo. North Ryde, Australia: Angus & Robertson. ISBN 978-0207158117.
  21. ↑ Philip, Justine (November 2021). "The Dingo Barrier Fence: Presenting the case to decommission the world's longest environmental barrier in the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030". Biologia Futura. 73.
  22. ↑ Kumar, Manoharan (September 2023). "Genomic signatures of bottleneck and founder effects in dingoes". Ecology and Evolution. 13.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Fisher, Adrian G.; Mills, Charlotte H.; Lyons, Mitchell; Cornwell, William K.; Letnic, Mike (2021). "Remote sensing of trophic cascades: multi‐temporal landsat imagery reveals vegetation change driven by the removal of an apex predator". Landscape ecology. 36: 1341–1358.
  24. ↑ Letnic, Mike; Crowther, M S (2020). [10.1093/biolinnean/blaa084 "Pesticide use is linked to increased body size in a large mammalian carnivore"] Check |url= value (help). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.


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