The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has commenced a trial to track dingoes (that have shown aggressive behaviour) through the use of tracking and high visibility collars.

It is anticipated that the information derived from the tracking collars will provide a better understanding of specific dingoes’ movements, which will better inform which risk intervention measures are most suitable for specific circumstances.

The collars are a lightweight design for wildlife management and do not impede the dingo in any way. They can be released automatically from the animal at any time and can also be programmed to release after a selected period of time. Both the tracking and high-visibility collars will also allow people to more easily recognise high-risk animals.

Movement patterns of a dingo fitted with a satellite tracking collar over a four-day period.

Managing dingo conservation and visitor safety on the island includes a range of intervention techniques, with the use of tracking and high-visibility collars enhancing the current program. Their introduction is anticipated to reduce risk to human safety and boost dingo welfare by assisting in preventing the animals’ behaviour escalating to the point that humane destruction is a necessary management option.

Submitted by QPWS