Controlled burn endangers dingos

TESS Wildlife Sanctuary curator is calling for an inquiry into Fraser Island's controlled burns, after fears were raised for the island's dingo population.

The burn off on Fraser Island could have driven the dingoes’ prey closer to the beach and humans. Picture: AAP IMAGETONY PHILLIPS

TESS Wildlife Sanctuary curator Ray Revill is calling for an inquiry into Fraser Island's controlled burns, after fears were raised for the island's dingo population.

With firefighters dousing out-of-control bushfires on the island earlier last week, Mr Revill said the damage was done as soon as the initial burn was lit.

"It was just a ridiculous idea to have a controlled burn in spring," Mr Revill said.

"Everyone knows spring is breeding season for most animals and that includes dingoes.

"It should have been done months earlier."

Mr Revill said the controlled burns, which were originally carried out by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services more than two weeks ago, put both animals and people at risk.

"Dingoes are predators," Mr Revill said.

"The fires forced their prey closer to the beaches.

"Which increases the likelihood of human interaction."

Fraser Coast councillor Sue Brooks said human interaction impacted negatively on the island's dingo population.

"We need to really look into the affect people are having on native wildlife," she said.

"It is our interaction with the animals that could really be putting them at risk."

Mr Revill said he hoped to visit Fraser Island soon, to closely examine the island's dingoes.

Originally published as Controlled burn endangers dingos