Dingo (Canis dingo) in natural habitat
๐Ÿ“ธ FaunaWiki Verified Wildlife Photo

Dingo

Scientific Name: Canis dingo
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IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable

The Dingo (Canis dingo) is cataloged as Vulnerable on the official IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

โšก Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)

  • Taxonomic Class: Mammals
  • Dietary Niche: Carnivore (Kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, wombats, birds)
  • Max Speed: 60 km/h (37 mph)
  • Adult Weight: 13 - 20 kg (28 - 44 lbs)
  • Typical Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
  • Primary Habitat: Deserts, arid scrublands, dry eucalypt forests, wetlands
  • Native Region: Australia
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

๐Ÿ“Š Physical & Biological Metrics

Class
Mammals
Diet Type
Carnivore (Kangaroos, wallabies, rabbits, wombats, birds)
Habitat
Deserts, arid scrublands, dry eucalypt forests, wetlands
Lifespan
10 - 15 years
Adult Weight
13 - 20 kg (28 - 44 lbs)
Top Speed
60 km/h (37 mph)
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Geographic Range & Distribution
Australia
Native Biome: Deserts, arid scrublands, dry eucalypt forests, wetlands

๐Ÿงฌ Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
Genus Canis
Species Binomial Canis dingo

๐Ÿ“– 1. Species Overview

The Dingo is Australia's wild apex land predator. Introduced to the continent over 3,500 years ago, they play a vital ecological role in controlling invasive herbivores and meso-predators.

๐Ÿฆฟ 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations

Features a lean, athletic body, sandy-ginger to reddish coat, white chest and paws, erect ears, and a bushy tail.

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range

Live in family packs with a strict hierarchy. Unlike domestic dogs, dingos rarely bark, communicating through howling.

๐Ÿฅฉ 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics

Pack hunters that chase down kangaroos and wallabies over long distances.

๐Ÿฃ 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy

Mating occurs once a year. The dominant pair produces a litter of 4-6 pups in underground dens.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection

Vulnerable. Threatened by hybridization with domestic dogs and eradication efforts.

๐Ÿ’ก Fascinating Facts & Trivia

  • Dingos have highly flexible wrists that allow them to turn door handles and climb trees.
  • Their head can rotate 180 degrees, helping them scan wide desert horizons for prey.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Dingo.

What is the scientific taxonomy of the Dingo? โ–ผ

The Dingo is scientifically classified as Canis dingo. It belongs to the genus Canis within the family Canidae, class Mammalia, and phylum Chordata.

Where does the Dingo live in the wild? โ–ผ

In the wild, Dingos inhabit Deserts, arid scrublands, dry eucalypt forests, wetlands. Their native geographic range primarily spans Australia.

What do Dingos eat in their natural habitat? โ–ผ

The Dingo is classified as a Carnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Deserts, arid scrublands, dry eucalypt forests, wetlands.

How fast can a Dingo move, and what is its typical size? โ–ผ

A Dingo can achieve top speeds of 60 km/h (37 mph) and weighs approximately 13 - 20 kg (28 - 44 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 10 - 15 years.

What is the IUCN conservation status of the Dingo? โ–ผ

The Dingo (Canis dingo) is currently designated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Cite this Article

FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Dingo (Canis dingo) Species Profile."

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