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| | The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD) was discovered by the outside world in 1957 when the first pair was brought down from the New Guinea Highlands to the Taronga Zoo. Sidney, Australia. Originally declared a unique species, canis hallstromi, in 1969 they were grouped with the Australian Dingo as a feral wild (wild-living) subspecies of the domestic dog, Canis familiaris dingo. Because of this most zoos stopped breeding them, and their captive population has subsequently declined. In the last few years, many NGSDs have, with proper training and socialization, adapted well to living in the modern home as a pet. This is quite a feat for a wild animal that until recently was tamed (but not domesticated) companion only to Stone Age tribes. Until the NGSD is once again officially declared a separate subspecies or species, traditional conservation organizations are understandably unwilling to spend funds saving an animal of questionable taxonomic status. However by the time the needed evidence is in, it it may be to late. If they die out, we will have lost an opportunity to learn what what this interesting canid might be able to tell us about adaptation, evolution, the origin of the domestic dog, and early man. Without the support of large conservation organizations, the preservation of the NGSD will take the combined efforts of many individuals. The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society has been established as a not-for-profit organization to promote NGSD conservation both in the wild and in captivity. It donates funds to scientists interested in non-invasive research on NGSDs, acts as a clearinghouse for NGSD information, and promotes the breeding of documented NGSDs. The NGSDCS encourages NGSD owners to participate in research by donating NGSD blood and other samples for DNA analysis, sharing medical information, keeping growth records, and observing behaviors.
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TokPisin (PNG pidgin) translation of the Singer info |
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