They're dog-ugly, hunt in packs and are tearing themselves apart through their own aggressive behaviour but Australian researchers may have found a way to save highly endangered African wild dogs.
James Cook University scientists have discovered calming domestic dog pheromones normally used to treat anxiety in lap dogs that could help preserve the threatened species.
Biologist Damien Paris says the endangered predators' testosterone levels skyrocket when their complex packs are disrupted making them stressed and aggressive toward each other.
But when treated with Dog Appeasing Pheromones, the wild dogs' overall testosterone levels stabilised and their combative behaviour declined.
"This pheromone appears to be able to minimise all of the factors that add up to aggression in African wild dogs," he told AAP.
"It keeps testosterone levels down which means no testosterone is associated with aggression."
"You can put a lid on aggressive behaviour," he said.
Habitat destruction, poaching for bushmeat and disease has made African wild dogs one of the world's most endangered mammals.
Dr Paris agreed when questioned that it may also have the potential to reduce the risk Dingoes pose in locations such as Fraser Island where three tourists have been attacked in recent months.
"The pheromone could be used as a social cohesion tool as well as minimising aggression," he said, adding it would need more testing.
Naturally occurring Dog Appeasing Pheromones have been used to treat domestic dogs and cats to manage stress and anxiety.
Dr Paris believes it also has the potential to treat aggressive or problem domestic dogs.
The discovery may have applications in other socially complex species, such as humans and other primates.
"Whether humans are going to be perceptive to pheromones is still not clear," he said.
"Our smell is not as developed as dogs, but certainly pumping pheromones in to a night club might help reduce the violence associated with aggression in those places."
