aboriginal man with dingo

Dingo

The dingo was probably introduced to Australia when the Aborigines arrived. Even though it is not a native animal, this member of the dog family has been a part of the Australian ecosystem for 3,000 to 4,000 years.

Dingos and sheep ranchers are in conflict as the dingos try to take sheep. To protect livestock, the Australian government built a 5,000 km (3000 mi) long dingo fence. The fence is nearly 2 meters (6 ft.) high and extends about 30 cm underground to keep the dingos from digging under it.

The dingo does play an important role in the Australian ecosystem. They help keep the wild rabbit population in balance. This in turn helps to keep the native vegetation from being over-grazed.