The New Guinea Singing Dog Conservation Society

This Living Relic of the Stone Age
Is One of the World's Rarest And Most Endangered Canids

History

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, Sydney, Australia. Originally declared a unique species, Canis hallstromi, in 1969 they were grouped with Australian Dingo as a feral (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 a tamed (but not domesticated) companion only to Stone Age tribes!

Description

NGSDs average 17 inches at the shoulder and 25 pounds. Their short double coat has a crisp feel. The underside of the tail carries a thick brush. NGSDs are golden red or black and tan with white markings on the underside of the chin, the feet and tail tip. Some also have white on their face, chest and necks, but never on their sides or backs. Wide cheekbones, narrow muzzles, tulip-petal shaped ears that curve forward and triangular, obliquely set eyes give their faces a distinctive appearance. Their joints and spine are extremely flexible for a canid. Adapted to hunting in very steep, thickly vegetated terrain, they climb and jump like a cat, a trait that makes them a challenge to keep confined. When their eyes reflect in low light they glow bright green. Their carnassial teeth are large, usually equal to or greater than 10% of their skull length, a trait common in wild canids but not domestic dogs. The NGSD has several unique vocalizations. The howl they are named for is similar to a wolf howl with overtones of whale song. When in a group, one animal starts and then others join on different pitches, each with its own unique voice. Some NGSD vocalizations resemble birdcalls. They also whine, yelp, bark (a short "woof" like that of a wolf and scream (a drawn-out yelp).

Research

Because they have been considered "just" feral domestic dogs, little scientific research has been done on NGSDs. What has been done invariably demonstrates their uniqueness. In 1976, V. Simonsen published the results of his study of canid blood enzymes, in which he found that the NGSD has two proteins that are different from those of jackals, wolves and domestic dogs but identical to those of the coyote. In 1992 R. Wayne, et. al., reported that the NGSD had a unique mitochondrial DNA sequence compared to the 33 dog breeds studied. Since 1987 Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin, Jr., a Senior Ecologist at the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, has been studying NGSD DNA and behavior. In 1994, he and four co-authors published a paper in which they documented the NGSDs extraordinary estrus cycles. Like wild canids, NGSDs have one breeding season a year. However, if they do not become pregnant females will often come into estrus again in 4 - 12 weeks, a pattern never before recorded for any canid. In 1996, Dr. Brisbin, in collaboration with Mr. Will Gergits of Therion Corporation, Troy, New York, released a preliminary report of a pilot nuclear DNA study. They found that NGSD DNA profiles contained genetic markers that were also present in Dingoes, but not in the Alaskan gray wolves or seven domestic dog breeds in the study. Dr. Brisbin and Janice Koler-Matznick are currently preparing a NGSD ethogram that describes several behaviors unique to this wild dog.

Need for Conservation

As one of the most critically endangered and least studied taxonomic forms of wild canine, the NGSD is in desperate need of both research attention and captive breeding programs. Due to habitat destruction and an influx of domestic dogs to the Central Mountain Highlands of the nations of Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya, NGSDs are rapidly sliding into a state of genetic extinction in the wild. The documented captive population in 1997 was only about 100 highly inbred animals, many beyond breeding age.

The NGSDCS

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 may be too late. If they die out, we will have lost an opportunity to learn 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 NGSDC 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. Because the limited funds available must be directed to research and conservation, the NGSDCS does not offer "member benefits" except a bi-annual newsletter and the satisfaction of participating in the conservation of this beautiful and unique animal. Yearly dues are on a self-imposed sliding scale from $5.00 to $25.00. Contributions of additional funds, goods or labor are also gratefully accepted. If you would like to join the NGSDCS and help conserve the NGSD, please send in the application with a check or money order. If you would like to learn more about NGSDS, a complete information packet with pictures, is $5.00.

NGSDS
Janice Koler-Matznick
5265 Old Stage Road
Central Point, OR 97502  USA
Phone: 541-664-4023
E-Mail: jkoler@ccountry.com

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The New Guinea Singing Dog Club of America, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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