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Behavioural development in a unique Australian mammal: The dingo (Canis dingo)

Author(s): Dr Bradley Smith (CQU), Professor Clive Wynne (University of Florida)
Supervisor(s): Dr Bradley Smith

Field of Research: Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Research Organisation: Appleton Institute

Abstract

This project will be the first to investigate the development of behaviour in dingoes. The study, a collaboration with US wolf researchers, aims to establish the time-line of development of behaviour in dingoes in three domains: 1. Sensory and motor development. 2. Onset and expression of hazard avoidance behaviour in dingoes (according to salivary cortisol) and 3. Development of social attachment to humans. Several experts on domestication believe that it is changes in behavioural development that form the critical alterations that made domestication possible. In this way the status of the dingo as an incipiently domesticated animal will be clarified. Furthermore, this research will provide an evidence base about dingo behaviour that can be built upon in the development of management programs for dingoes in situations where conflict with human interests exists. For example, if it is found that dingoes are more wolf-like in their behaviour (as the applicant’s prior studies have indicated), then solutions deployed elsewhere in the world against wolves might be effective in the Australian context against dingoes.

Keywords: Dingo, wolf, dog, canid, animal behaviour, animal cognition, animal domestication, animal development
Timeline: March 2013 - December 2013

Project Contacts

Name: Dr Bradley Smith
Contact Research Organisation: Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science
Phone: + 61 8 8378 4528
Email: b.p.smith@cqu.edu.au