21/04/2025
Thank you to Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd for putting this amazing advice together ❤️Please have a read and let's protect our Dingoes better this year then before!
Dingo Puppy Season: A Call for Awareness and Action.
As we approach dingo puppy season, it’s crucial to raise awareness about the importance of respecting these incredible animals and their natural habitats. Many people come across young pups in the Australian bush and, with good intentions, assume they are abandoned or dumped domestic dog pups. However, this common misconception can lead to significant distress for the pups and their parents.
Dingo pups are an integral part of Australia’s unique wildlife. When found alone, it’s essential to remember that the parent dingoes and older siblings are likely nearby, out hunting for food. In the wild, it’s not unusual for dingo pups to be left behind in their dens while the rest of the family ventures out to hunt. This behavior is a natural part of their survival strategy.
By capturing these pups, well-meaning individuals may inadvertently disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem and separate them from their families. Instead, if you encounter dingo pup/pups, it’s best to observe from a distance and leave them be or if you suspect they are orphaned contact one of the Experienced Dingo Organisations listed below.
Protecting Dingo Pups: A Guide to Responsible Monitoring
As we enter dingo puppy season, (from June to end of August early September each year) it’s essential to be vigilant about the welfare of these remarkable animals, especially during times when female dingoes are pregnant or when they have active dens with young pups. Unfortunately, these vulnerable periods often lead to dingoes being targeted under GOV legislation by 1080, trapping, and shooting all to get the kill rate up, which can have devastating effects on their populations.
If you suspect that you’ve encountered orphaned dingo pups, the first step is to monitor the den area for the presence of living parent dingoes. Here are some effective methods for doing so:
1. Camera Traps. Setting up camera traps near the den can provide valuable insights into the presence of adult dingoes. These cameras can capture images of the family group, allowing you to confirm whether the pups are still being cared for.
2. Sand Traps: A simple yet effective technique is to spread sand evenly around the active den. This creates a natural canvas for tracking. Return to the area each day to check for adult footprints in the sand. This will help you determine if the parent dingoes are visiting the den regularly.
By taking these steps, you can play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of dingo pups. Remember, patience and observation are key. If you confirm that adult dingoes are present, it’s best to leave the area undisturbed, allowing the family to thrive in their natural habitat.
Expert Guidance for Dingo Conservation
For those looking to support the well-being of dingoes, expert advice is readily available across Australia from reputable dingo organisations many having well over 20 years of experience, they specialise in keeping dingoes in their natural habitats and determining when it’s necessary to bring orphaned pups into care.
Behind the scenes: An example of successful conservation efforts is Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd, which has effectively monitored den areas and ensured the safety of 17 dingoes in the wild over the past year. Our dedicated work behind the scenes is instrumental in maintaining the natural behaviours of these remarkable animals, helping to keep them wild and free where they belong. By focusing on den monitoring and intervention only when absolutely necessary, these organisations play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable young dingoes. Our commitment ensures that dingoes remain where they belong thriving in their natural environments. We will only bring pups into care under extreme circumstances. “Dingoes belong in the wild not in captivity.”
Important Action: Reporting Deceased Dingoes
If you come across deceased dingoes near young pups, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Contact one of the reputable organisations dedicated to dingo conservation and rescue. These organisations have the expertise and resources to handle such sensitive situations appropriately and safely.
Contributing to Dingo Research: DNA Sampling
If you are willing to take a proactive step in supporting dingo research, consider collecting a DNA sample from the deceased dingo. This can be done by taking a small snippet from the ear. To preserve the sample, place it in salt and send it to Dr. Kylie Cairns, whose invaluable research on dingo populations across Australia contributes significantly to our understanding of dingoes and conservation efforts. Be sure to provide the location of dingo with your sample.
Samples can be sent directly to Dr. Kylie Cairns.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Adjunct Associate Lecturer
Centre for Ecosystem Science
School of BEES
University of New South Wales
Sydney NSW 2052
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CONTACT LIST OF DINGO ORGANISATIONS
NSW
Highlands Dingo Rescue Ltd
BARGO DINGO SANCTUARY
VIC
Australian Dingo Foundation
Big Desert Dingo Research also SA
Dingo Coexistence
WA
Perth Dingo Rescue Ltd.
WA Dingo Association Incorporated
