Protecting livestock with guardian animals


New insights are helping shape how Australian graziers use livestock guardian animals to protect stock and biodiversity.

A new report summarising findings from the Livestock Guardian Animal Forum, held in Canberra in November 2024, has just been released.

The report captures the proceedings of the Livestock Guardian Forum held in 2024.

The Forum, hosted by the National Wild Dog Action Plan, brought together around 40 delegates from across Australia’s grazing industries to share practical experiences and explore the role of guardian animals in managing the impacts of wild dogs and dingoes across Australia.

Key out-takes from the Livestock Guardian Animal Forum Final Report include:

  • livestock guardian animals must be part of an integrated wild dog management strategy.
  • there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to using livestock guardian animals.
  • proper training is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of livestock guardian animals.
  • more research is required into livestock guardian animal effectiveness and best practice.
  • greater support systems are needed to assist with livestock guardian animal implementation and maintenance.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration, research and the practical guidance to help producers adopt guardian animals to enhance livestock protection and biodiversity. Read the report.

 

Helen Darlington
A livestock guardian animal in the field.

 

Meanwhile, our National Wild Dog Management Coordinator, Greg Mifsud, spoke with ABC Far North’s Breakfast program about trapping as a wild dog control technique, following recent attention on the topic in the media.

Greg addressed misinformation about trapping, including the types of traps used. Tune in at the 45min 26sec mark of the program to hear Greg’s interview here.