It’s a dog eat dog world: observations of dingo (Canis familiaris) cannibalism
P. D. Meek A B D and S. C. Brown B CA Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 350, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
B Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, PO Box 535, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia.
C SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Vaughn Terrace, Berri, SA 5343, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: paul.meek@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Australian Mammalogy 39(1) 92-94 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM16018
Submitted: 21 April 2016 Accepted: 27 May 2016 Published: 1 July 2016
Abstract
Cannibalism in predators has been reported for a range of species throughout the world, including observations of dingoes (Canis familiaris) eating dingoes in Australia. Here, we report on camera trap observations of dingoes feeding on the carcasses of dingoes and showing aggressive behaviours towards live-trapped conspecifics. At this site, cannibalism and conspecific aggression by dingoes was not caused by food shortages, but was more likely a result of high dingo density in a focal area. We present the first camera trap image observations of dingoes eating dingoes and describe aggressive encounters between live animals.
Additional keywords: camera trap, diet, predation, scavenging, wild dog.
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