Data from: Elucidating biogeographical patterns in Australian native canids using genome wide SNPs

Dingoes play a strong role in Australia’s ecological framework as the apex
predator but are under threat from hybridization and agricultural control
programs. Government legislation lists the conservation of the dingo as an
important aim, yet little is known about the biogeography of this
enigmatic canine, making conservation difficult. Mitochondrial and Y
chromosome DNA studies show evidence of population structure within the
dingo. Here, we present the data from Illumina HD canine chip genotyping
for 23 dingoes from five regional populations, and five New Guinea Singing
Dogs to further explore patterns of biogeography using genome-wide data.
Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data supported the
presence of three distinct dingo populations (or ESUs) subject to
geographical subdivision: southeastern (SE), Fraser Island (FI) and
northwestern (NW). These ESUs should be managed discretely. The FI dingoes
are a known reservoir of pure, genetically distinct dingoes. Elevated
inbreeding coefficients identified here suggest this population may be
genetically compromised and in need of rescue; current lethal management
strategies that do not consider genetic information should be suspended
until further data can be gathered. D statistics identify evidence of
historical admixture or ancestry sharing between southeastern dingoes and
South East Asian village dogs. Conservation efforts on mainland Australia
should focus on the SE dingo population that is under pressure from
domestic dog hybridization and high levels of lethal control. Further data
concerning the genetic health, demographics and prevalence of
hybridization in the SE and FI dingo populations is urgently needed to
develop evidence based conservation and management strategies.