Australian wildlife authorities face mounting criticism following their decision to euthanize multiple dingoes connected to the tragic death of Canadian backpacker Piper James on K’gari (Fraser Island). The 19-year-old’s body was discovered on January 19th at a beach on the World Heritage-listed island, prompting Queensland officials to authorize the elimination of ten dingoes identified as displaying aggressive behavior.
Forensic examination revealed the victim sustained injuries consistent with dingo bites alongside evidence suggesting drowning as a potential cause of death. According to the Coroners Court of Queensland, ‘Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death,’ with the full investigation expected to continue for several weeks.
The conservation measure has ignited intense debate among scientists, traditional landowners, and wildlife experts. University of Sydney conservation biologist Professor Mathew Crowther warned that removing ten animals from a population estimated at just 70-200 individuals could severely impact genetic diversity. ‘There’s no moral from the dingoes’ point of view. They’re just being wild animals, doing wild things,’ Crowther emphasized.
The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, representing the island’s traditional owners, expressed profound disappointment at not being consulted before the culling operation. Their statement highlighted concerns that ‘economic priorities are being placed above the voices of the people and traditional owners.’
Wildlife experts attribute increasing human-dingo conflicts to tourist behavior, particularly the dangerous practice of feeding wild animals. Associate Professor Bill Bateman from Curtin University noted that dingoes losing their natural fear of humans creates potentially dangerous situations, especially when people run or turn their backs. He advocated for collaborative management between wildlife managers, rangers, Indigenous communities, and tourism operators to ensure safe coexistence.
The victim’s father, Todd James, described the family’s heartbreak while acknowledging the difficult decision facing authorities, noting the euthanization news was ‘heart-wrenching’ but potentially necessary for public safety.