The Regal Dingoes of Fraser Island
Fraser Island dingoes are regarded as the purest breed in Australia for unlike most mainland dingoes, they are largely free of hybridization with domestic dogs. Aboriginal elders in the island believe dingoes have lived on there between 20000-40000 years. These animals are some of the last remaining pure dingoes the reason why pet dogs are not allowed on the island. A healthy adult dingo possess a regal bearing but what with its orange to reddish-brown fur and stirring looks is an unpredictable canine that should be dealt with carefully when approached. One thing however, the dingoes of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island are a major attraction for international tourists.
Behaviour The behaviour of these wild canines has been proven to change in every seasonal period. Autumn is a time of dominance as adults fiercely protect their territory and will snarl and nip if provoked. This is their mating season. During spring time, dingo pups begin to learn from their mothers. If food is available from campsites and tourists, the mothers may not teach pups natural hunting skills. Once summer approaches they're now testing their strength. A dingo puppy can play aggressively, especially towards children. Tourists are warned not to feed the dingoes on the basis that they are wild dogs. They can be aggressive when feeling hungry. Dingoes are “wild� animals and this must not be forgotten during visits to Fraser Island.
Diet Dingoes feed on bandicoots and other small mammals and are not traditionally scavengers. When Aboriginal communities were displaced 120 years ago, dingoes became reliant on wild horses, fish offal, and scavenging from refuse dumps as their major food sources. Horses were short lived due to a condition known as sand colic, and provided a large food source for the dingo. Since these food sources were removed on the later years, dingoes now have relied on whatever food and scraps they can steal. Many dingoes have become used to searching campsites for human food, or feeding on bait or bits of fish left by people who have been fishing. They are called food-conditioned dingoes. Some visitors of the island are inclined to feed which encourages these wild canines to depend on humans and leads to scavenging and aggression.
Fraser Island Discovery: Fraser Island Tours - 186 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566
T
(07) 5449 0393, info@thediscoverygroup.com.au
Human Conservation Efforts Australia sadly holds the world record of species extinctions in the last 20 years. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), which means it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. The population of Fraser Island dingoes have an endangered group of about 200 individuals -their natural feeding patterns changed by access to humans' food. The dingoes have begun to demand human food and a few animals have threatened the safety of the tourists. They can be dangerous as attacks on people, even fatalities although rare, but have been documented. Fraser Island dingoes are part of the island ecology, and are protected by law. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife promotes dingo management strategies, uses dingo-deterrent fencing, enforcement (fines) and education campaigns to protect people and to help the dingoes retain their natural way of life.
Want A Glance of a Dingo? Traveling inland via 4WD you can explore the sand tracks that link the beautiful lakes and rainforests of the captivating Fraser Island. And along the way, you can spot these regal-bearing dingoes basking around. As responsible tourists, we should be doing our part and utmost cooperation to preserve their vital wildlife for them to be able to exist and multiply in numbers for the many years to come. Common awareness and tips can be of great importance to all. Remember not to feed dingoes along the way if you do not want to be fined. If you're with kids, always stay close to them and walk in groups. Don't encourage, approach or excite dingoes. If approached, face the dingo and calmly back away. All your packed foods must be stored securely including baits for fishing and trashes. Dingoes are an icon of this World Heritage-Listed site and has served part to the natural wonders that can only be seen on Fraser Island.
Fraser Island Discovery: Fraser Island Tours - 186 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566
T
(07) 5449 0393, info@thediscoverygroup.com.au