Livestock guardian animals, such as guardian dogs, donkeys, alpacas and llamas can play an effective role in protecting livestock from predators. However, they are most useful when part of an integrated wild dog control strategy.

Guardian animals and wild dog control

Livestock guardian animals can be an effective wild dog control method, used as part of an integrated wild dog management plan.

In terms of guardian dogs, breeds available in Australia for this purpose include Maremmas, Anatolian Shepherds, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and the Central Asian Ovcharka, with Maremmas being by far the most numerous. Guardian dogs require time to bond with their livestock and car must be taken to ensure they are trained properly before being released into paddocks with livestock Guardian dogs live with the livestock and actively move them away from perceived danger or will defend them from predators where necessary.

Wild dog control programs are still required to keep wild dog populations at low densities as guardian animals may not be able to defend themselves against large packs of wild dog dogs. Guardian dogs living extensively with livestock in an unsupervised fashion should be de-sexed to avoid cross breeding with wild dogs.

To find out more about guardian dogs including training, housing and general advice, read the Best Practice Manual for the Use of Livestock Guardian Dogs (2011), by Linda van Bommel.

Other animals such as donkeys, alpacas and llamas, may be used to guard livestock from predators.

 

2024 Livestock Guardian Animal Forum

In November 2024, the NWDAP program held the first national Livestock Guardian Animal Forum, bringing together landholders, researchers, veterinarians, and government representatives to explore the role of guardian animals in managing the impacts of wild dogs and dingoes across Australia.

Through learnings shared by attendees, the Forum identified some key insights about the use of livestock guardian animals as a wild dog control tool. In particular, the Forum reinforced that whilst livestock guardian animals can be a useful control tool, their suitability and success depends on the individual circumstances of each livestock enterprise. Read more about the Forum’s findings in the final report here.

As a result of the Forum, Dr Tracey Kreplins and her team from the Western Australia Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, developed the Livestock guardian dog suitability matrix for implementation in Australia. This resource can help you assess whether livestock guardian animals might be a strong control option for you. View the matrix here.