Dingo [NE]
Canis dingo
[Scientific name]
Darrwal
[Wadawurrung]
Garli
[Barkindji]
Jalaj
[Maung]
The dingo (Canis dingo) is a close relative of grey wolves and domesticated dogs, thought to have arrived in Australia at least 5000 years ago. Their taxonomic position has been contentious, but, in line with previous accounts, the CSG considers them a distinct lineage. While hybridisation has been considered a threat to dingoes, most carry only limited evidence of recent domestic dog ancestry. Dingo populations, particularly in southeastern Australia, continue to be suppressed through baiting and trapping programs to manage impacts on livestock. Dingoes are generalist predators, eating a diverse range of prey across more than 229 species, with prey selection varying by bioclimatic region and environmental productivity.
POPULATION TREND
UNKNOWN
HABITAT & ECOLOGY
Desert • Forest • Grassland • Human modified • Inland Wetlands • Savanna • Shrubland