The behavioural ecology of dingoes in north-western Australia. VI. Temporary extraterritorial movements and dispersal

Abstract

Between 1975 and 1984, 105 radio-collared dingoes, Canis familiaris dingo, were tracked and observed from aircraft on the Fortescue River in Western Australia. Dingoes maintained strong site fidelity and seldom travelled far beyond their territories. In total, 81 forays (moves > 2km beyond territory boundaries) were identified from 6598 independent locations of pack members; 80 were < 10km from territory boundaries. Forays involved individuals as well as small groups; 68.2% of 22 confirmed individual forays were made by males. Forays occurred in all seasons and years. Some forays appeared to be related to subsequent dispersal. A total of 25 dingoes dispersed as solitary individuals. Mean dispersal distance beyond known pack territories was 20.1km (n = 19, range = 1-184 km). Males tended to disperse further than females and had a higher incidence of dispersal. Five groups of pack members and one entire pack also dispersed. The incidence of dispersal was highest when population density was high and food supply was low. Dispersal was facilitated by the availability of vacant areas. Humans caused much of the mortality of dispersing dingoes. The patterns of dispersal by individuals and groups, and the factors that influence them are similar for dingoes and the related canid, the wolf, Canis lupus. Control work in buffer zones must provide a satisfactory dispersal sink to minimise the risk of incursions by dingoes into livestock-grazing areas.