Here's why:
* No official census: There is no comprehensive, accurate count of wild dingoes.
* Wide range: Estimates vary drastically depending on the research and region.
* Difficult to track: Dingoes are elusive and live in remote areas, making them difficult to track and count.
However, we can look at some factors:
* Declining populations: Dingoes are facing threats like habitat loss, persecution, and hybridization with domestic dogs.
* Focus on specific areas: Conservation efforts often focus on specific regions, providing more accurate estimations for those areas.
Overall: While there's no single answer, it's clear that dingo populations are facing challenges, and their numbers are likely lower than they once were.