The dingo is often referred to as Australia's native dog. "Naturalised" would be a better term, as it is a Canid, and has only been
in Australia for a few thousand years. It was almost certainly an animal that was received in trade between Aboriginal people of
Australia's north and Maccassans and other travellers from South-east Asia, as it is very similar to the Thai native dog. When
dingos arrived in Australia they displaced the native marsupial carnivores, most notably the Thylacine (also known as the
Tasmanian Tiger) and the Tasmanian Devil, creatures which bear Tasmania in their name because by the time the dingo got to
Australia the land bridge between Tasmania and the Australian mainland had disappeared. Dingos differ from domestic dogs in
not barking and only coming into season once a year. However, they interbreed and pure dingos are becoming less common.
They do not habitually eat babies (although they are famous for it) but like any carnivore can become dangerous if fed and
consequently lose their fear of people. Do NOT feed the dingo!