Newmont Mining Corporation

Adapted from Beyondthemine.com

Researchers are tracking dingoes near our Tanami Operations as part of a study of the impact of the mine and accommodation village on their behavior patterns.

The study, a joint project between the Granites Gold Mine, the University of New South Wales (NSW) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Invasive Species CRC, will compare the movement of dingoes found on and around mineral leases with those tagged off the leases.

Researchers trapped 29 dingoes on the Granites and Dead Bullock Soak leases, in the Billabong and Jumbuck borefields and collared seven male dingoes at Tanami Downs station. They collected more than 50 DNA samples to provide information on hybridization of the wild dingoes with the domesticated animals.

"Managing dingoes can be problematic, not only because their presence may present a danger to humans, but also because access to additional food and water resources could significantly impact on the ecology and behavior of the dingoes," said Tanami Senior Environmental Adviser Stephanie Myles. "We need to understand our impact to improve our management of dingoes around our mine sites."

"This study is an important step in moving towards best-practice dingo management and an opportunity to develop a high-profile, scientifically valid environmental project," said NSW DPI officer Guy Ballard.

Researchers fitted two male dingoes with special GPS collars, which are sending study teams information via satellite. The other data log collars will supply information on dingo movement after a year. After naming and tagging the dingoes, they are released safely. Male dingoes receive a colored ear tag on their left ear, and females on their right.

Staff are encouraged to participate in the research by notifying environmental staff if they see one of the tagged animals and to provide details about the color of the tag and which ear it was in.