The Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) is a type of wild dog, probably a descendent of the Indian Wolf. This Native Australian dog has inhabited the Australian Continent for 4000 years. It is believed to have come along with some aboriginals on rafts and boats. It remained the true companion of the aboriginals till it returned back to the wilderness when the European colonization began. Dingo was used as a hunter dog, guard dog and even as a source of heat during the nights.
A very interesting Feature about dingo is that it does not bark. Unlike a domestic dog it simply yelps and howls. It has a very different way of walking and its ears are almost always erect. It is usually cream to reddish yellow in color or sometimes black with tan spots. |
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Dingo is only slightly smaller than German shepherd and weighs about 15 kg. It is so adaptable that it can be spotted in almost whole of Australia except Tasmania. From unkind deserts to lush green forests, dingo is an integral part of Australian fauna. However, purebred dingo is rare sight nowadays, as many of them mate with the domestic dogs that accompany humans. This has resulted in it becoming a "living fossil". Another very peculiar fact about dingo is that unlike other dog species that live in packs, dingo prefers living either alone or in a very small private group. It rarely leaves its marked territory. It survives on animals like kangaroos, livestock, rabbits, etc. Many ecologists blame dingo for near extinction of the Tasmanian Tigers.
An ambitious plan of the Great Dingo Fence was initiated in the 1880s to check the entry of dingoes in the fertile southeast part of the continent to protect the livestock that was being continually attacked by these predators. It was suppose to line 8500 km from Toowoomba to Great Australian Bight and be the longest manmade structure at that time, but it could be only partly successful. Thus, dingoes can still be found in parts of the southern states.
Dingoes have very intense eyes that vary in color from yellow to orange. They adorn a very soft coat. They are great tree climbers but cannot swim. They can live up to 20 years of age. The Federal Government has recognized the dingo, and it may not be exported except from and to registered and approved wildlife parks and zoos. Dingos are very rare outside Australia. |
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Dingoes don't shy away from humans. So on a wilderness tour of Australia you are sure to spot this peculiar yet very common Australian sight. This ancient companion of man is not in true sense an animal for domestication but a free creature of the wilds.
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