Location
Since European colonisation and the spread of agriculture, there has been an aggressive and consistent push to have the dingo eradicated from many parts of Australia. The dingo is now absent in areas of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the lower third of South Australia and the southern part of Western Australia (DDAR, 2015).
What are they?
The dingo, a canid closely related to wolves and coyotes, is believed to have arrived in Australia approximately 3,500-4,000 years ago. As the largest mammalian carnivore remaining in mainland Australia, dingoes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of these ecosystems.
However, the dingo is classified as a restricted invasive animal under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014, prohibiting its movement, keeping, feeding, or release into the environment. This classification stems from concerns about their potential impact on livestock and the environment.
Dingoes exhibit distinct characteristics, such as a more heavily boned skull and larger teeth compared to domestic dogs of similar size (DAF, 2020). In undisturbed areas, they typically live in discrete packs of 3-12 individuals, occupying and defending well-defined territories. While pack members may interact throughout the day, they rarely travel together as a cohesive unit.
Social communication among dingoes relies heavily on scent. They deposit droppings at specific locations, known as “scent posts,” to mark territory boundaries and communicate with other pack members. This strong territorial behaviour contradicts the common misconception that dingoes indiscriminately roam over vast distances (DAF, 2020).
The genetic purity of dingo populations varies across Queensland. While “pure” dingoes with characteristic white markings are more prevalent in remote western regions, hybridization with feral dogs is more common in areas closer to human settlements (DAF, 2020).
Despite their classification as a restricted species in Queensland, dingoes are a protected species in the Northern Territory, highlighting the complex and nuanced relationship between these animals and human society (PW, 2024).
References:
DAF (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland). 2020. Dingo Management.
PW (Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory). 2024. Dingoes.
Food
Dingoes are apex predators in the Australian ecosystem, preying on a diverse range of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. While livestock predation is a concern for farmers, studies have shown that dingoes are opportunistic predators, with medium-sized animals like kangaroos and wallabies forming a significant portion of their diet (DAF, 2020).
Interestingly, research from the Western Australia Agriculture Protection Board has demonstrated that dingoes in undisturbed areas regulate their hunting behaviour, killing kangaroos primarily based on need. This is particularly relevant considering the significant increase in kangaroo populations following European settlement due to the establishment of water points, which has led to increased competition for grazing resources with livestock.
Although sheep production is often considered incompatible with dingo presence, many cattle producers tolerate dingoes due to their perceived role in controlling kangaroo populations (DAF, 2020).
Beyond their impact on livestock, dingoes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of Australian ecosystems. They prey on introduced species like rabbits and may even help to regulate populations of other feral predators such as foxes and feral cats (PW, 2024).
However, feeding dingoes, whether intentional or unintentional (such as through improper rubbish disposal), can have detrimental consequences. It disrupts the natural ecological balance by artificially increasing the dingo population beyond the carrying capacity of the environment, negatively impacting both dingoes and their prey species (DES, 2022).
Furthermore, feeding can lead to dingoes losing their natural fear of humans, potentially resulting in dangerous encounters. This habituation can pose a risk to human safety, potentially leading to situations where dingoes may need to be euthanized to prevent injury or fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid feeding dingoes to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife (DES, 2022).
Feeding or interfering with dingoes or any other wildlife is illegal and carries significant penalties (DES, 2022).
References:
DAF (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland). 2020. Dingo Management.
PW (Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory). 2024. Dingoes.
DES (Department of Environment and Science, Queensland). 2022. Living with Wildlife: Dingoes.
Reproduction
Dingoes exhibit a strong social structure with a well-defined hierarchy. Typically, only the dominant alpha pair within a pack breeds, producing a litter of 4-6 pups after a gestation period of 63 days. The entire pack plays a crucial role in raising the young, ensuring their survival. Pups are weaned around four months of age and may become independent as early as six months, though this often leads to high mortality rates. In contrast, pups that remain with the pack for longer periods, typically until around 12 months, exhibit higher survival rates (DDAR, 2015).
While monogamous pairings are common, breeding patterns can vary. In areas with low population density, where dingoes may live solitarily or in small groups, mature females may successfully breed annually (DAF, 2020).
Dingo's on K'gari
The dingoes of K’gari (Fraser Island) are of significant conservation value, not only for their iconic status but also for their unique genetic lineage, having minimal interbreeding with domestic or feral dogs. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the island’s ecosystem.
While superficially resembling domestic dogs, dingoes exhibit distinct biological and behavioural differences. Like wolves, coyotes, and jackals, they have a single breeding season per year, unlike domestic dogs which can breed twice annually. Furthermore, domestication, a process spanning tens of thousands of years, has significantly altered the behaviour and physiology of domestic dogs, while dingoes remain wild animals with distinct behavioural patterns.
The dingo population on K’gari (Fraser Island) typically consists of 25-30 stable packs, each occupying a defined territory and comprising 3-12 individuals. Population fluctuations occur naturally, with peak numbers observed during the June-August breeding season followed by a decline due to natural attrition.
Within a pack, a strict social hierarchy prevails, with the alpha male and female dominating breeding activities. This social structure, however, can lead to unequal access to resources, resulting in some dingoes appearing leaner than others.
Despite their lean appearance, K’gari dingoes are highly active, covering distances of up to 40 kilometres per day. Interestingly, studies have shown that adult dingoes on K’gari exhibit a higher average body weight compared to their mainland counterparts.
The dingoes’ diet is diverse, encompassing a wide range of prey, including birds, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, vegetation, and, most significantly, mammals (see Box 3 in images) (DES, 2022).
Control Measures
Radio tracking studies reveal that dingoes exhibit a strong territoriality, occupying and defending defined areas known as home ranges. These home ranges vary significantly in size, ranging from 9 square kilometers in rainforest environments to an expansive 300 square kilometers on the Nullarbor Plain. Dingo activity within their home range is not uniform; they tend to concentrate in areas with abundant food resources, exhibiting slower and more exploratory movements in these zones.
Dingo movements within their home range often follow well-defined paths, likely associated with social interactions and the maintenance of territorial boundaries. Their activity peaks during dawn and dusk (DAF, 2020).
A significant shift in public and scientific perception regarding dingoes has emerged over the past decade. Increasingly, their crucial ecological role as Australia’s only apex terrestrial predator is being recognized. By regulating populations of species such as kangaroos, rabbits, foxes, and feral cats, dingoes contribute significantly to the maintenance of ecosystem balance.
However, dingoes have faced ongoing threats from human activities, including widespread persecution through bounty hunts, trapping, and the use of 1080 bait. This relentless pressure, particularly along the southeastern seaboard, has placed dingo populations at risk of eradication. Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognizes dingoes as a threatened species, the primary responsibility for their conservation has largely fallen upon dedicated organizations such as sanctuaries.
Recognizing the urgent need to protect this vital species, the Australian Dingo Foundation was established in 2006 (DAF, 2020). This organization plays a crucial role in raising awareness, conducting research, and advocating for the conservation of dingoes across Australia.
Interactions with other species
The NT is believed to have some of Australia’s purest dingo populations.
Domestic dogs and wild dogs threaten the conservation of purebred dingoes as they mix in the wild to breed hybrid dogs.
Dingoes prey on livestock, so they are also under threat from farmers who are protecting their animals (PW, 2024).
How to identify
The Australian dingo is a medium-sized carnivore, typically ranging from 44 to 63 centimeters in shoulder height and weighing between 13 and 23 kilograms. Males generally exhibit larger builds than females. Coat colors vary, with the most common being a sandy yellow or red-ginger hue. A smaller percentage of dingoes are born black and tan, cream, or even white.
While superficially resembling domestic dogs, dingoes possess several key distinguishing features. They are highly agile animals, boasting exceptional flexibility with features like rotational wrists, a remarkably flexible neck, and the ability to jump, climb, and dig with remarkable dexterity. These adaptations make them formidable predators and skilled escape artists.
Dingoes are characterized by a lean physique with prominent cheekbones. Their coat varies in density depending on their habitat, with thicker fur observed in alpine environments to provide insulation during colder months.
Their skulls are uniquely broad, ensuring their bodies can navigate through narrow passages. This feature, combined with their powerful jaws and sharp, evenly spaced teeth, allows them to efficiently capture and consume prey. Dingoes possess acute senses of sight, hearing, and smell, with their independently rotating ears enhancing their ability to pinpoint sounds.
Furthermore, dingoes exhibit exceptional athleticism. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour and can travel up to 40 kilometers in a single day. Their remarkable agility is further demonstrated by their ability to leap two meters high and effectively climb trees. These remarkable physical attributes underscore their position as apex predators within the Australian ecosystem.
With Kids: Always keep an eye on your children and stay close to then when you in the Australian Outback. There are numerous wild animals in Australia.
Staying safe
Dingoes take advantage of reliable food and water supplies and are often attracted to homes and towns by their natural curiosity.
Dingoes living near urban areas often mix with domestic dogs, which weakens the dingo’s natural characteristics and behaviour. Contact with dogs can also spread disease and parasites such as Sarcoptic mange and Canine distemper.
They can be a nuisance in urban areas where they may prey on domestic animals and pets.
They can also cause problems around tourist areas if they are fed or encouraged.
During breeding season dingoes will be noisy and fight, which can cause noise disruptions.
Parks and Wildlife actively manage dingoes in the Northern Territory and can respond to dingo control requests from farmers experiencing stock attacks (PW, 2024).
If there are dingoes in your area, you can try all of the following actions to reduce dingo problems:
- never treat a dingo like a domestic dog as dingoes are wild and can be unpredictable or aggressive
- never feed wildlife as this will attract dingoes to humans
- build dog-proof fences, aviaries, fowl yards and other small pet cages to protect your home and animals
- restrict movement of your dog and/or cat especially at night (PW, 2024).
When you visit a dingo habitat remember all of the following safety tips:
- always read and obey warning signs
- supervise small children at all times
- never dump food waste or rubbish as this may attract dingoes to the area
- never interfere with, feed or harass dingoes, as they can be dangerous
- be careful at night and during breeding season when dingoes are most active
- avoid travelling with pets and ensure dogs are kept securely confined, as they may attract dingoes to the area
- never release unwanted dogs in the bush (PW, 2024).
Report a dingo
To report a dingo in your area contact the Parks and Wildlife office closest to you.
Where are they?
References
Australian Dingo Foundation (ADF), 2024. The Dingo. Dingo Discovery Sanctuary and Research Centre. https://dingofoundation.org/
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), 2020. Dingo Canis familiaris dingo: Restricted invasive animal. The State of Queensland. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/69582/dingo.pdf.
Department of Environment and Science (DES), 2022. Fraser Island Dingo Conservation and Risk Management Strategy. Queensland Government. https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/wildlife/animals/living-with/dingoes/fraser-conservation-risk-management-strategy
Dingo Den Animal Rescue (DDAR), 2015. The Australian Dingo. https://www.dingoden.net/facts.html
Parks and Wildlife (PW), 2024. Dingo. NT.GOV.AU. https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/wildlife-in-nt/dingo