Dingo

The dingo (Canis lupus dingo) was probably introduced to Australia around 3,500 years ago and quickly spread across the mainland. Forming packs wherever prey is plentiful, dingoes hunt native mammals and reptiles, but will also take domestic animals if natural food is scarce.

One of the greatest threats to the survival of pure dingoes is breeding with domestic dogs, which dilutes their genetics. Despite this, dingoes remain an important predator in Australia’s ecosystems, helping to keep populations of herbivores and introduced pests in balance.