Dingo Density Estimates and Movements in Equatorial Australia: Spatially Explicit Mark-Resight Models

Area of Science:

• Wildlife ecology
• Disease ecology
• Biosecurity

Background:

• Australia is free of canine rabies, but knowledge gaps regarding dingo (Canis dingo) spatio-ecology in northern Australia hinder disease spread modeling.
• Potential rabies incursions pose a significant biosecurity risk, especially given interactions between dingoes and free-roaming dogs in Indigenous communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the knowledge gap in dingo spatio-ecology in equatorial northern Australia.
• To assess the potential for rabies transmission between dingoes and domestic dogs at the wild-domestic interface.
• To inform disease spread models and enhance preparedness for potential rabies incursions.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a one-year camera trap survey in equatorial northern Australia to monitor dingo populations.
• Utilized maximum-likelihood, spatially explicit, mark-resight models to estimate dingo density and home range size.
• Analyzed dingo movements, spatial correlation, and temporal activity overlap with community dogs.

Main Results:

• Dingo density estimates ranged from 0.135 animals/km² (dry season) to 0.147 animals/km² (wet season).
• 95% bivariate Normal home range sizes varied significantly throughout the year, from 7.95 to 29.40 km².
• Substantial temporal activity overlap and spatial correlation were observed between dingoes and community dogs, indicating disease transmission potential.

Conclusions:

• Dingoes and community dogs exhibit significant activity overlap in northern Australia, creating a high-risk interface for disease transmission.
• Findings are critical for improving biosecurity measures and preparedness against potential rabies incursions.
• This study provides essential spatio-ecological data for rabies risk assessment in the region.