Enough dogma: Seeking the middle ground on the role of dingoes

Abstract

Numerous recent studies present evidence that Australian dingoes Canis lupus dingo can benefit native biodiversity by suppressing mesopredators and large herbivores. Allen and colleagues have challenged the reliability of this evidence. Al-though they make some valid criticisms, I question some of their assertions. While the existing evidence is inconclusive, I argue that to dismiss it completely would be just as dangerous as to embrace it uncritically. I aim to establish a middle ground. © 2012 Current Zoology.