Observations of the behaviour of male eastern grey kangaroos when attacked by dingoes

Abstract

Interactions between dingoes and male eastern grey kangaroos observed at Wallaby Creek (in northeastern New South Wales) are described. Other than simple flight, large male kangaroos can react to dingoes by defending themselves or fleeing to water. A male kangaroo defended himself during an encounter lasting over 60min. His actions included high-standing, kicking, thumping the tail, and hopping towards and watching the dingo. The encounter was made up of six intense bouts, during which the dingo was within 5m of the kangaroo. Most bouts involved the dingo circling and the kangaroo turning to face the dingo, with the kangaroo's degree of reaction depending on the distance to the dingo. The response of the kangaroo diminished during later bouts. A second kangaroo fled to water when pursued by a dingo and after swimming to shallow water lowered his body so only his head showed. The dingo remained on the bank watching for some time. Both encounters ended with the dingo leaving.