Dingo

Australia's largest mammalian predator, Dingoes have been present in Australia for at least 3 500 years and perhaps as long as 11 000 years. They have an important ecological role, helping suppress populations of feral animals, and there is anecdotal evidence they help maintain populations of endangered species by excluding introduced feral predators like cats and foxes. Fatal attacks on humans are extremely rare, but since the co-existence with humans is present, fatalities can be possible. It is believed that Dingoes originally were a domestic dog brought to Australia by the aborigines. Because they often breed with domestic dogs, it is believed that only about 25% of Dingoes alive today are purebreds.

Pups are born nine weeks later. The female gives birth in the same hidden, sheltered location each year unless it is disturbed by humans or predators. Although the pups are weaned after eight weeks, they remain with their parents for up to a year. The female suckles her pups and also feeds them with small pieces of regurgitated meat. The pups grow quickly, and both parents must hunt food for them. They travel long distances in search of prey, but prey close to their own territory is left untouched, so that the pups may learn to hunt it themselves.