General News
2 July, 2025
Donkeys located in Big Desert State Forest
The founder of Big Desert Dingo Research, Ellisha Martion, has been dismayed to find donkeys living in the Big Desert State Forest.
Describing it as something she hoped she would never see, Ms Martion said at least six of the animals, assumed now feral, were sighted moving south out of the Big Desert State Forest.
"We followed their tracks for over 13 kilometres back into the Big Desert," Ms Martion said.
"These landscapes developed without the impact of hard-hooved animals.
"When deer, donkeys, or feral horses move through, their hooves compact sandy soils, crush delicate ground cover and break apart biological soil crusts that play a vital role in stabilising the surface and preventing erosion."
Ms Martion explained in the Big Desert and Wyperfield, this kind of disturbance is concerning near dune systems, soak areas and waterpoints, which are the only sources of moisture in a region without permanent water.
"The risk of damage or loss to these soaks and waterpoints is deeply worrying," she said.
"These natural water sources are lifelines for native wildlife, and once damaged, recovery may be slow or even impossible."
Ms Martion said she didn't know where the donkeys came from.
"Whatever the case, it is yet another example of land use decisions made without proper care for the country or the wildlife that depends on it," she said.
"Protecting these fragile environments takes awareness, thoughtful management and community support.
"We hope that in time, all sides of the dingo debate can work together to ensure the Big Desert and Wyperfeld remain resilient for future generations, with solutions that protect both dingoes and livestock."
