Canis lupus dingo
The dingo is native to the sandy desert, scrub, grassland, and forest edges of Australia. Although this species was introduced to Australia thousands of years ago, they have lived on the continent long enough to become a revered predator in the Australian ecosystem.
The dingo’s diet is largely carnivorous and consists of other Australian mammals like kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. Although they will also eat plants and fruits on occasion, they are mainly opportunistic hunters.
Dingoes are solitary animals and will will live and search for food on their own. Occasionally loose dingo packs will form, and these groups typically have around ten individuals.
Contrary to popular belief, dingoes are not dogs, nor are they related to dogs in any manner. They are different both in their anatomy and in their behavior. Dingoes have more hip and limb flexibility than a standard domestic dog, as well as a wider head and snout, all adaptations that aid dingoes in their hunting efforts. Dingoes also do not bark like a domestic dog would, they will howl, yelp, and chatter to communicate with other dingoes.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports Greening Australia, a conservation organization that works towards providing healthy, productive landscapes where people and nature thrive.