Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Canidae Scientific Name : Canis Lupus Dingo Size(L) : 100cm - 125cm (39in - 49in) Weight : 13kg - 20kg (28lbs - 44lbs) Top Speed : 48km/h (30mph) Life Span : 7 - 15 years Colour : Tan, Black, Brown, Grey, Red, Yellow Skin Type : Fur Distinctive Features : Pricked ears and a long bushy tail
- Dingoes are medium sized canines found in Australia.
- They were initially domesticated and have now returned to live in the wild.
- They now lead a life which is completely independent of humans.
- They live in packs comprising around 10 individuals.
- They inhabit a variety of habitats like the woodlands, rainforests, shrublands and outskirts of deserts.
- Being apex predators, they play a significant role in the ecosystems of Australia.
- They are carnivores, hunting and preying on rabbits, wallabies, lizards, birds, rodents and small mammals.
- Occasionally, they are also known to hunt and prey on kangaroos.
- Depending on the climate in their habitat they either lead a nocturnal life or are active during the day.
- They have almost no natural predators except an odd crocodile.
- The Dingoes in the north breed after August whereas the ones in the south breed before August.
- The female dingoes give birth to around 1-10 pups after a 2-month gestation.
- The dingo pups are born blind and are dependent on their mother for the first 8 weeks.
- Interestingly, dingoes are not allowed to interbreed with other domestic dogs to keep their species pure.
- Habitat loss due to deforestation has made dingoes an endangered species today.