Collar to track wongari entering fenced area
Issued: 13 Mar 2024
The collar will track the dingo's movements for the next two months
Rangers have fitted a GPS tracking collar to a dingo (wongari) displaying heightened risk activity and entering a fenced area on K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island).
The dingo was fitted with the collar last week and will wear it for the next two months so rangers can track her movements and identify where the animal breaching fence lines.
“The collar will provide regular updates that will help rangers with risk mitigation activities such as increased patrolling and education of people around her,” said Dr Linda Behrendorff from the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
“It will also hopefully help pinpoint the specific location where the dingo is entering the fenced area, so rangers can then prevent that access.
“Rangers have spent considerable time maintaining the fence line and monitoring the dingo’s movements daily.
“We have received regular reports about the dingo’s high-risk behaviour, which includes stalking and dominance testing.
“Previous research has shown that people tend to keep their distance from collared dingoes, and visitors to the Eurong area are reminded to Be dingo-safe! at all times.
“This includes always carrying a stick, never walking alone and parents and carers keeping their children close at all times.
“Rangers will continue to provide Be dingo-safe! education to residents and visitors, and I remind people to report all negative dingo interactions to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
“Collars have been used on K’gari since 2011 for various reasons including research and to track high risk dingoes, and camera collars were used to provide unique insight to their actions and their movements.
“Tracking collars are used in other countries to assist in managing animal/human interactions, and this one will automatically drop off after two months.
“Previously, the tracking collars have not disadvantaged or restricted the dingoes, but experienced rangers will closely monitor its condition across the next two months.”
Visitors and residents on K’gari (Fraser Island) are encouraged to report any negative dingo encounters to a QPWS ranger, or phone 07 4127 9150 or email dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au as soon as possible.
Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:
- Young children must be kept within arm’s reach at all times.
- Walk in groups and carry a stick.
- Camp in fenced areas where possible.
- Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction.
- Never feed dingoes.
- Never store food or food containers in tents.
- Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.
For more information see About K’gari dingoes and Be dingo-safe on K’gari.