Dogs are restricted/prohibited from nature reserves and rainforest walks all over Australia, and as the number of people and dog owners grow there are more people taking their dogs to those places.
Research has found that whether owners follow these rules or not is mostly driven by social factors.
A study conducted in late 2024 at the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences indicated most dog walkers in recreation parks where dogs are supposed to be kept on lead did keep their dogs on lead for their safety and to abide by the regulations.
Some participants questioned with loose dogs were just unaware of the signs and requirements, a minority understood the rule but choose not to use a lead or leave their dog at home.
Institute researchers conducted open-ended interviews with dog walkers in various parks to better understand why and how people walk with their dogs.
This research began when residents near parklands requested assistance to reduce the impact dogs were having on wildlife and the local bandicoot population.
Bandicoots are ‘ecosystem engineers’ – their digging activities improve the soil aeration and nutrient cycling, they control insects like beetles, worms and larvae.
Enhancing the soil’s ability to absorb water helps to prevent runoff.
This is just one of many creatures that need protection from predatory animals like dogs. They can be a direct threat, through predation and predation induced stress and by destroying habitat.
The research team suggest a change in the way signs are communicated, that either ban dogs or require them to be on lead.
An example would be “Be a wildlife ambassador – no dogs” or “I keep my dog on lead to protect endangered wildlife.”
The questioner concluded that with the right communication approach, communities can make life safer for native species.
The imperative to protect wildlife falls solely on the shoulders of people.
It relies on behaviour change in people.
Personally, I am not that optimistic, I do not think communication or education will change the growing resistance to authority, laws or rules.
The rules need to be with dog ownership and breeders.
