This project employs population genetics and comparative genomics to investigate questions concerning the evolutionary history and population genetics of the dingo. The dingo is Australia’s top-level carnivore and has been present on the landscape for over 5,000 years. Despite constant public attention and media spotlight, our basic understanding of the genetics and biology of the emblematic Australian icon is startlingly inadequate. Even at the most fundamental level it is not known whether the dingo is a single large genetically homogeneous population or whether local variation exists.

This project builds upon a large database of Dingo samples already collected and in the laboratory and we collaborate extensively with the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary. 

BABS academic responsible for this project:

• Professor Bill Ballard