In the inter-species battle for control of the Australian Outback, ranchers, sheep and donkeys have forged an alliance against roving hordes of dingoes. According to the Wall Street Journal, wild dogs have picked off sheep with such ruthless efficiency that their raids may have cost the local wool industry hundreds of millions of dollars.
Enter the donkey, a natural friend of the sheep and foe of the dog. Embed a donkey in a flock of sheep and over time its protective instinct kicks in. The mere sight of a dog within striking distance will send the donkey into attack mode, which is why a growing number of ranchers in the Outback have taken to herding donkeys and sheep together.
[WSJ]