Dingo

Facts

scientific name

Canis familiaris dingo

conservation status

Vulnerable

weight

13 - 20 Kilograms

diet

The Dingo is an opportunist hunter. Mammals make up the majority of their diet, along with a small amount of reptiles, birds, insects and even a small amount of plants and fruit.

habitat

The dingo's habitat ranges from grasslands to deserts and the edges of forests.

The Dingo is a primitive dog which evolved from the Indian Wolf. This evolution happened about 6000 years ago and became widespread throughout southern Asia. It is believed that Asian seafarers introduced it into Australia about 3500-4000 years ago. There are differences between Dingoes and domestic dogs. Dingoes only have one breeding season per year, whereas domestic dogs have two. Dingoes tend to howl more than bark as a way of communication. Dingoes lack the distinctive ‘dog-smell’ of domestic dogs. When hunting a small animal, the Dingo will hunt alone; when hunting a large animal, Dingoes will form a pack.