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Dingo

Species: Canis lupus

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The Australian Dingo is believed to have been introduced to Australia from Asia between 1000-5000 years ago. Dingoes stand at up to 70cm tall, weighing 12-24kg, with red, white or black fur. They have a slim build and erect ears, with a long, narrow snout and bushy tail. In comparison to domestic dogs of similar size, Dingoes have larger canines. In winter Dingoes develop a thick winter fur coat, which they shed during spring and summer.

Dingoes are an opportunistic predator, and will feed on a variety of mammals, including wallabies, kangaroos, rabbits and possums, as well as reptiles and birds.

Social organisation and Reproduction

Dingoes live in small packs of 3-12 members, with an alpha male and an alpha female. Communication is made through scent marking in faeces, and howling. Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups. Gestation is 9 weeks, with an average litter size of 4-6 pups. Pups are born in a den where they will remain until large and strong enough to travel outside. They are weaned at 4 months of age and are usually independent between 6-12 months of age.

Why are they endangered?

  • Hybridising with feral dogs, polluting the pure bloodline
  • Poisoning, trapping and shooting by farmers
  • Inbreeding

 

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

Dingo

GROUP NAME

Pack

Native To

Australia

SIZE

70cm tall, weighing 12-24kg

BABY NAME

Pup

Habitat

Dingoes can be found mainland Australia-wide in most habitats, but they prefer woodlands and grasslands that are adjacent to forests. With the severe increase in dingo-domestic dog hybrids, true pure-bred dingoes are difficult to find.

Did You Know?

Dingos are descendant from Asiatic Wolves, which were introduced to Australia approximately 5000 years ago.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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Kookaburra

Laughing Kookaburras are very territorial and sedentary, usually living in small family groups which co-operate in raising young and protecting territory

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Quokka

Often called “the happiest animal in the world”, Quokkas are a small marsupial related to Kangaroos

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Dingo

Dingoes do not bark as is the case with domestic dogs. The alpha male and female will usually be the only breeding pair in the pack, with other subordinate members assisting in the rearing of pups.

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GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO

Glossy black cockatoos are among Australia’s rarest. When a chick emerges from its tree hollow, it’s a significant moment not just for the proud parents but for the entire species

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Cassowary

Southern Cassowaries are solitary birds, coming together only during breeding season from July-September

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Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devils are primarily solitary animals, living in territories that may intersect other individual’s territories. Each territory will have 3-4 dens, which can be utilised for years, especially by females with young.

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SOUTHERN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBAT

Affectionately known as ‘bulldozers of the bush’, wombats create remarkably large burrow. These underground homes offer perfect protection from extreme climates and predators, ensuring their safety year-round.

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Echidna

Short-beaked Echidnas belong to a unique group of mammals called Monotremes. Apart from echidnas, the only other animal in the world that belongs to this group is the Platypus.

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Penguin

Little Penguins live in colonies that can have hundreds of members ashore at one time. From June-August, males will come ashore and renovate old burrows or dig new ones.

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EMU

Emus are the world’s second tallest bird, and third heaviest. They are a flightless species- however they do have small wings which they use to cool themselves.

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Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby

Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies live in colonies of up to 100 individuals, consisting of smaller groups with a dominant male, females and sub-dominant males.

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Lorikeet

Calling all bird lovers to our walk through Lorikeet enclosure. Enjoy our stunning Lorikeets flying around and possibly even landing on you!

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WOODSWALLOW

Extremely social birds, woodswallows are uniquely known for perching closely together as a flock. This behaviour not only strengthens social bonds but also conserves energy and retains warmth through the night.

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Kangaroo Island Kangaroo

Like other Kangaroo species, Kangaroo Island Kangaroos live in mobs consisting of a dominant male, several adult females and subordinate males, and joeys.

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Wombat

Common Wombats are a short, robust marsupial native to south-east Australia and Tasmania

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KOALA

Koalas are not a bear, but are in fact a marsupial. Koalas have thick fur that ranges from very light to very dark grey on the head and body, with white patching on the bottom, chest and ears.

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