Ancient genomes reveal over two thousand years of dingo population structure

Abstract

Dingoes are an iconic element of Australia’s biodiversity, but evidence-based management and conservation of dingoes depend on understanding their origins and population history. In this study, we present genomic data from ancient dingo individuals, providing a window into the early history of dingoes in Australia, prior to the introduction of modern domestic dogs and persecution of dingoes by European colonizers. Our results provide insights into the ancestry and origins of modern dingo populations, including their relationship to New Guinea singing dogs, and represent a valuable resource for future developments in dingo management and conservation. Keywords: ancient DNA, dingo, Oceania, Palaeogenomics, domestication