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00:00:04,838 --> 00:00:07,107
The Australian dingo.
2
00:00:07,107 --> 00:00:09,743
With his bright eyes
and bushy tail,
3
00:00:09,743 --> 00:00:12,045
he may look like
a family dog.
4
00:00:14,181 --> 00:00:15,682
But this is no pet.
5
00:00:15,682 --> 00:00:17,317
(Growls)
6
00:00:19,186 --> 00:00:22,256
This wild dog
is an apex predator.
7
00:00:24,224 --> 00:00:27,394
A hunter whose natural
instinct to search for prey
8
00:00:27,394 --> 00:00:29,229
has given him a bad name.
9
00:00:32,799 --> 00:00:35,535
But this elusive wild dog
also leads
10
00:00:35,535 --> 00:00:38,238
a surprising hidden
life of family devotion...
11
00:00:39,172 --> 00:00:42,109
and strictly enforced
social rules.
12
00:00:42,109 --> 00:00:43,477
(Yelping)
13
00:00:47,581 --> 00:00:50,317
The dingo roams
across Australia,
14
00:00:51,485 --> 00:00:53,887
a vast island continent,
15
00:00:53,887 --> 00:00:59,393
home to some of the planet's
most unusual
and fascinating animals.
16
00:01:01,695 --> 00:01:05,132
These are the secrets
of the dingo.
17
00:01:32,459 --> 00:01:35,095
Built for hunting,
dingoes are so adaptable,
18
00:01:35,095 --> 00:01:37,431
they can survive in
a variety of habitats,
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00:01:37,431 --> 00:01:41,101
including mountains,
deserts and forests.
20
00:01:48,475 --> 00:01:55,382
From the sandy beaches of
Fraser Island in Northern
Queensland...
21
00:01:55,382 --> 00:01:59,586
..to grasslands near
Melbourne in South
Australia...
22
00:01:59,586 --> 00:02:02,789
..and the woods of
New South Wales.
23
00:02:02,789 --> 00:02:05,425
This is the story of
three dingo families
24
00:02:05,425 --> 00:02:07,060
who've established
their homes
25
00:02:07,060 --> 00:02:08,729
in very different habitats.
26
00:02:09,730 --> 00:02:11,765
They're closely monitored
and given names
27
00:02:11,765 --> 00:02:13,767
by dingo conservationists.
28
00:02:19,673 --> 00:02:23,210
Dingoes form a distinct
sub-species of wild dog:
29
00:02:23,210 --> 00:02:25,412
Canis lupus dingo.
30
00:02:26,546 --> 00:02:30,584
They're genetically closer
to the Asian Wolf than to
the domestic dog,
31
00:02:30,584 --> 00:02:35,555
with flatter,
broader skulls, longer,
more pointed muzzles,
32
00:02:35,555 --> 00:02:40,360
longer canines and a
whole lot more attitude.
33
00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:42,162
(Barks)
34
00:02:44,097 --> 00:02:46,500
Canis dingo is thought
to have come to Australia
35
00:02:46,500 --> 00:02:51,104
with Asian seafarers between
three and a half
and 5,000 years ago,
36
00:02:51,104 --> 00:02:54,574
or even earlier, sharing the
land with Aboriginal tribes
37
00:02:54,574 --> 00:02:57,177
long before
European settlers arrived.
38
00:03:07,220 --> 00:03:10,557
Dingoes hunt rabbits, rats,
even kangaroos.
39
00:03:10,557 --> 00:03:13,460
But it's their hunting
of domestic livestock
40
00:03:13,460 --> 00:03:15,729
that has brought them into
conflict with farmers.
41
00:03:17,197 --> 00:03:20,200
Some states even require
dingoes to be killed
on sight.
42
00:03:21,601 --> 00:03:23,570
Dingo numbers are
in rapid decline
43
00:03:23,570 --> 00:03:27,674
and the purebred dingo
is now considered
a vulnerable species.
44
00:03:48,361 --> 00:03:51,364
In Victoria,
a mostly temperate state
45
00:03:51,364 --> 00:03:52,566
in the South East
of Australia,
46
00:03:52,566 --> 00:03:56,436
dingoes Saxon and Petal
are preparing for
a big event,
47
00:03:56,436 --> 00:03:58,505
the birth of their puppies.
48
00:04:01,641 --> 00:04:03,276
When it comes to breeding,
49
00:04:03,276 --> 00:04:05,512
dingoes are different
to domestic dogs.
50
00:04:05,512 --> 00:04:08,515
They're pair-bonded,
with dad Saxon
51
00:04:08,515 --> 00:04:10,550
heavily involved in the
arrival of his young.
52
00:04:12,819 --> 00:04:14,654
Saxon needs to
find somewhere
53
00:04:14,654 --> 00:04:17,557
that will serve as a
birthing den and cozy home
54
00:04:17,557 --> 00:04:19,693
for his mate
and new puppies.
55
00:04:23,330 --> 00:04:25,665
He checks out a
likely-looking hollow log.
56
00:04:28,168 --> 00:04:31,304
Dingoes will often re-use
the homes of other animals,
57
00:04:31,304 --> 00:04:33,106
like rabbits or wombats.
58
00:04:35,408 --> 00:04:39,379
They're looking for
a secure, protected base
close to a water source,
59
00:04:39,379 --> 00:04:42,315
and they'll
establish several dens
in their home territory.
60
00:04:44,217 --> 00:04:47,053
If disturbed in one home,
they'll move to another.
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00:04:49,089 --> 00:04:53,160
This log seems to meet
Saxon's criteria,
which is lucky
62
00:04:53,160 --> 00:04:55,328
because Petal has been
pregnant for two months
63
00:04:55,328 --> 00:04:57,063
and her due date
is imminent.
64
00:05:08,208 --> 00:05:10,710
Petal instinctively knows
when the pups are due,
65
00:05:10,710 --> 00:05:15,382
and goes into labor,
66
00:05:15,382 --> 00:05:17,384
pacing around, sitting down
67
00:05:17,384 --> 00:05:19,686
and getting back up
again and again.
68
00:05:22,622 --> 00:05:24,824
It's a sure sign
it's nearly time
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00:05:24,824 --> 00:05:27,160
for her puppies to make
their big entrance.
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00:05:30,363 --> 00:05:31,798
She's a placental mammal,
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00:05:31,798 --> 00:05:34,534
so she gives birth to
well-developed live young
72
00:05:34,534 --> 00:05:38,538
and the normal litter size
can range between one
and ten puppies,
73
00:05:38,538 --> 00:05:41,274
although four or five
is more typical.
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00:05:51,418 --> 00:05:53,453
It's an easy delivery
for the first puppy.
75
00:06:00,060 --> 00:06:02,596
Petal cleans the placental
sac from the newborn.
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00:06:11,338 --> 00:06:13,640
Dad Saxon stands guard
nearby.
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00:06:18,778 --> 00:06:20,413
20 minutes later,
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00:06:20,413 --> 00:06:23,283
puppy number two is also
welcomed into the world.
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00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:29,356
Petal chews through
the umbilical cord.
80
00:06:31,057 --> 00:06:34,160
Unlike domestic dogs, which
can have two litters a year,
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00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:36,129
dingoes only breed once
82
00:06:36,129 --> 00:06:38,331
and always at the
same time of year.
83
00:06:39,165 --> 00:06:40,834
Females become pregnant
84
00:06:40,834 --> 00:06:43,436
after the Australian Fall
Equinox, in March.
85
00:06:43,436 --> 00:06:46,773
This timing ensures that
after weaning through the
winter,
86
00:06:46,773 --> 00:06:50,143
the puppies will
have plenty of prey
available in the spring
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00:06:50,143 --> 00:06:52,612
when they're ready to
start hunting for themselves.
88
00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:56,216
Right now,
Petal's puppies are tiny,
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00:06:56,216 --> 00:06:58,218
weighing just a few ounces.
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00:07:00,387 --> 00:07:02,022
They're blind and helpless,
91
00:07:02,022 --> 00:07:04,557
and won't open their
eyes for a couple of weeks.
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00:07:07,360 --> 00:07:09,629
With just one chance
to breed a year,
93
00:07:09,629 --> 00:07:13,433
it's important that Petal
makes sure all her puppies
survive.
94
00:07:16,403 --> 00:07:19,339
Saxon will have to wait
until Petal's
finished giving birth
95
00:07:19,339 --> 00:07:21,441
to find out how many puppies
he's having.
96
00:07:30,283 --> 00:07:32,285
Further north,
in New South Wales,
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00:07:32,285 --> 00:07:34,287
are Comet
and her mate Bomber.
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00:07:38,658 --> 00:07:41,695
A pair bond like theirs
usually lasts for life.
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00:07:43,663 --> 00:07:47,100
Like wolves, dingoes have
a defined social structure
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00:07:47,100 --> 00:07:50,203
where only the top or alpha
dogs have puppies.
101
00:07:55,208 --> 00:07:57,310
They also can live in packs
like wolves,
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00:07:57,310 --> 00:07:58,678
with up to ten members
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00:07:58,678 --> 00:08:00,780
including mature adults
of both sexes,
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00:08:00,780 --> 00:08:02,515
extended family members,
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00:08:02,515 --> 00:08:04,617
as well as last year's
offspring.
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00:08:15,695 --> 00:08:18,998
This alpha pair already has
four healthy puppies.
107
00:08:24,070 --> 00:08:26,439
Last year's offspring,
Tom and Harold,
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00:08:26,439 --> 00:08:29,309
are still living with their
parents Comet and Bomber.
109
00:08:31,745 --> 00:08:33,813
They'll probably leave
the family next year
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00:08:33,813 --> 00:08:35,582
to live alone
or join another pack.
111
00:08:35,582 --> 00:08:38,518
But for now they're still
learning from their parents.
112
00:08:51,264 --> 00:08:55,201
As both father and alpha
male, Bomber has a big job.
113
00:08:57,203 --> 00:08:59,406
He must keep order
in the ranks...
114
00:09:04,377 --> 00:09:07,080
..teach his puppies
everything they need to
survive...
115
00:09:08,248 --> 00:09:10,750
..and protect his family
from any other dingoes
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00:09:10,750 --> 00:09:12,952
that want to take over
his territory.
117
00:09:19,159 --> 00:09:22,395
Bomber recently took on
a male from
a neighboring pack.
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00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:30,603
He won the fight,
but received this wound
to his face.
119
00:09:32,806 --> 00:09:35,008
It's a small price to pay.
120
00:09:36,209 --> 00:09:37,710
If the invader
had beaten Bomber,
121
00:09:37,710 --> 00:09:41,314
he would have killed all
of Bomber's puppies so he
could mate with Comet,
122
00:09:41,314 --> 00:09:43,383
and repopulate the pack
with his offspring.
123
00:09:55,662 --> 00:09:59,232
So the puppies are fortunate
their dad was the victor,
124
00:09:59,232 --> 00:10:01,568
and they can play
in the sunshine
125
00:10:01,568 --> 00:10:03,570
and suckle from mom Comet.
126
00:10:07,073 --> 00:10:09,342
She's had an average number
of pups,
127
00:10:09,342 --> 00:10:13,346
but raising them would be
almost impossible
without Bomber's help.
128
00:10:14,614 --> 00:10:18,551
Unlike many animals, both
the male and female dingoes
129
00:10:18,551 --> 00:10:20,553
share parental
responsibilities.
130
00:10:23,356 --> 00:10:26,392
Dingo dads regurgitate food
for their puppies
131
00:10:26,392 --> 00:10:28,294
once they start
eating solids,
132
00:10:28,294 --> 00:10:30,096
help protect and care
for them,
133
00:10:30,096 --> 00:10:32,532
and teach them everything
they need to survive,
134
00:10:32,532 --> 00:10:34,534
right up until
they're adults.
135
00:10:36,369 --> 00:10:38,505
After seven weeks
of suckling,
136
00:10:38,505 --> 00:10:41,107
the puppies are fat
and flourishing.
137
00:10:45,778 --> 00:10:47,580
The first four weeks
of their lives,
138
00:10:47,580 --> 00:10:49,349
they were suckling
every few hours,
139
00:10:49,349 --> 00:10:52,185
but now they're starting
to move towards weaning.
140
00:10:59,859 --> 00:11:02,161
They'll continue to
take milk from their mum
141
00:11:02,161 --> 00:11:03,830
for around
another five weeks,
142
00:11:03,830 --> 00:11:06,332
but they're also
starting to eat solids.
143
00:11:10,803 --> 00:11:12,572
Soon, their parents
will teach them
144
00:11:12,572 --> 00:11:15,642
how to find
small food items like
caterpillars and beetles,
145
00:11:15,642 --> 00:11:18,411
which will make them less
reliant on Mom and Dad
146
00:11:18,411 --> 00:11:21,614
and be handy skills
for when food is scarce
in the winter.
147
00:11:30,823 --> 00:11:34,294
Now they're exploring their
environment all the time,
148
00:11:34,294 --> 00:11:37,797
making regular forays
out from their lair,
a hollow log.
149
00:11:47,640 --> 00:11:50,476
Their older brother Harold
greets their mum, Comet.
150
00:11:53,446 --> 00:11:55,481
And the puppies want
to say hello too.
151
00:11:57,150 --> 00:11:59,686
But it seems that this
makes Harold uneasy.
152
00:12:05,058 --> 00:12:06,659
Although these
are his siblings,
153
00:12:06,659 --> 00:12:09,729
they're also the puppies
of the alpha male
and female,
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00:12:09,729 --> 00:12:12,198
and he's very cautious
around them.
155
00:12:15,835 --> 00:12:17,804
Harming them,
even accidentally,
156
00:12:17,804 --> 00:12:20,039
could mean repercussions.
157
00:12:24,611 --> 00:12:28,514
As Comet returns,
it's a good excuse to beat
a hasty retreat...
158
00:12:32,785 --> 00:12:35,288
..and for the puppies
to return to suckling.
159
00:12:44,764 --> 00:12:46,866
At 12 months old,
Tom and Harold
160
00:12:46,866 --> 00:12:50,770
must find
their own food, and
regularly go out together
161
00:12:50,770 --> 00:12:52,639
on hunting expeditions.
162
00:12:57,443 --> 00:12:59,545
But they often end up
down by the river,
163
00:12:59,545 --> 00:13:02,015
just relaxing and
doing a bit of grooming.
164
00:13:04,250 --> 00:13:07,186
At a year old, they have
all the right equipment
for hunting.
165
00:13:09,656 --> 00:13:12,625
Sight, smell and hearing
are all working at
optimal levels...
166
00:13:14,594 --> 00:13:17,497
..and outstrip many of
their prey animals' senses.
167
00:13:19,332 --> 00:13:22,168
They're already proficient
in catching small prey
168
00:13:22,168 --> 00:13:24,270
like rabbits,
bushrats and mice.
169
00:13:25,271 --> 00:13:26,739
But without experience,
170
00:13:26,739 --> 00:13:29,242
they don't have
the confidence
or skill level yet
171
00:13:29,242 --> 00:13:32,245
to bring down anything
larger, like a wallaby
or kangaroo.
172
00:13:36,416 --> 00:13:38,217
What they're working on
at the moment
173
00:13:38,217 --> 00:13:41,554
is a very useful dingo
trick...becoming invisible.
174
00:13:42,588 --> 00:13:47,160
Tom and Harold have
the prevalent gingery tan
dingo coloring,
175
00:13:47,160 --> 00:13:49,762
although some dingoes
can be black, light cream
176
00:13:49,762 --> 00:13:51,464
or even black and tan.
177
00:13:54,233 --> 00:13:56,502
The classic tan coat
has many advantages
178
00:13:56,502 --> 00:13:58,504
in the
Australian landscape.
179
00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:04,711
Against the dry grasses
of the pastureland,
180
00:14:04,711 --> 00:14:07,046
just lying down makes them
very hard to see.
181
00:14:09,782 --> 00:14:13,319
Mastering the use of cover,
like bushes and undergrowth,
182
00:14:13,319 --> 00:14:15,388
is a handy hunting strategy.
183
00:14:17,290 --> 00:14:19,258
They are predominantly
pursuit hunters,
184
00:14:19,258 --> 00:14:22,128
but watching their prey's
movements while undetected
185
00:14:22,128 --> 00:14:24,297
means they can track the
direction of the animal
186
00:14:24,297 --> 00:14:26,365
and pick out a
potential target.
187
00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:29,268
But when it comes
to the actual pursuit,
188
00:14:29,268 --> 00:14:31,404
Tom and Harold
still need training,
189
00:14:31,404 --> 00:14:33,272
and the best way
to get that
190
00:14:33,272 --> 00:14:35,775
is to go hunting with their
experienced dad, Bomber.
191
00:14:39,212 --> 00:14:40,713
As they meet up
for the hunt,
192
00:14:40,713 --> 00:14:43,416
the three males
make it evident from
their body language
193
00:14:43,416 --> 00:14:44,851
they have a clear
understanding
194
00:14:44,851 --> 00:14:46,452
of the power structure
here.
195
00:14:48,788 --> 00:14:52,158
Bomber's tail is carried
high and is fully erect,
196
00:14:52,158 --> 00:14:56,195
forming almost a full circle,
and his head is also high.
197
00:15:01,501 --> 00:15:03,770
Tom and Harold hold their
tails and heads lower
198
00:15:03,770 --> 00:15:06,506
to show subordination to
their dad and pack leader.
199
00:15:10,409 --> 00:15:13,312
With everyone
assured of their place
in the pecking order,
200
00:15:13,312 --> 00:15:15,181
they can set off.
201
00:15:25,391 --> 00:15:28,261
Bomber sizes up
the landscape
and sniffs the wind.
202
00:15:37,270 --> 00:15:40,706
Like a dog,
his sense of smell is
around 100 times keener
203
00:15:40,706 --> 00:15:42,575
than that of a human.
204
00:15:45,178 --> 00:15:47,146
His ears can rotate
individually
205
00:15:47,146 --> 00:15:49,415
to pinpoint the exact
position of his prey.
206
00:15:52,385 --> 00:15:54,453
He has 180-degree vision,
207
00:15:54,453 --> 00:15:57,623
and can see movement up to
half a mile away.
208
00:16:00,660 --> 00:16:04,330
And to take down a bigger
kill, dingoes work together.
209
00:16:09,101 --> 00:16:12,138
Dingoes can read
each other's body language
extremely well
210
00:16:12,138 --> 00:16:14,273
and when they
can see Bomber is ready,
211
00:16:14,273 --> 00:16:16,742
all three set off
across the meadows.
212
00:16:22,348 --> 00:16:25,451
Today they're targeting
birds, a dingo staple,
213
00:16:25,451 --> 00:16:28,588
especially
the slower-moving
bigger birds like geese.
214
00:16:34,627 --> 00:16:37,763
But they'll go for
whatever's around,
like waterbirds.
215
00:16:44,570 --> 00:16:47,039
The coots on the water
are too hard to reach.
216
00:16:53,746 --> 00:16:56,215
But the meadows are
full of gamebirds.
217
00:17:09,061 --> 00:17:11,063
The chase is on.
218
00:17:15,301 --> 00:17:18,771
Like wolves, they use
initial speed to try
and catch their target
219
00:17:18,771 --> 00:17:21,440
but then rely on their
stamina and endurance
220
00:17:21,440 --> 00:17:23,175
to wear down
and exhaust the prey
221
00:17:23,175 --> 00:17:25,344
until it can be dispatched
by the pack.
222
00:17:32,151 --> 00:17:36,455
As pursuit specialists,
they can reach speeds of
30 miles an hour.
223
00:17:36,455 --> 00:17:40,026
But this time it's no match
for a pair of wings.
224
00:17:43,796 --> 00:17:45,665
(Screeching)
225
00:17:54,340 --> 00:17:56,208
Hunting is exhausting work.
226
00:17:57,643 --> 00:18:00,146
The three rest to
recuperate their strength.
227
00:18:05,384 --> 00:18:07,520
Dingoes are
opportunistic feeders
228
00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:10,222
and as well as
actively hunting food,
229
00:18:10,222 --> 00:18:12,224
they will eat whatever
they can find
230
00:18:12,224 --> 00:18:15,995
such as carrion, insects,
lizards, even fruit.
231
00:18:25,638 --> 00:18:28,107
Still hungry,
the threesome sets off
232
00:18:28,107 --> 00:18:30,343
to see what else
they can find.
233
00:18:32,178 --> 00:18:35,181
Bomber and his family live
near some rich pastureland,
234
00:18:35,181 --> 00:18:38,617
and it's not long
before they catch the
scent of a cattle herd.
235
00:18:44,724 --> 00:18:47,193
As the top Australian
predators,
236
00:18:47,193 --> 00:18:50,429
dingoes in large packs
are a threat to sheep
and young cattle.
237
00:18:53,165 --> 00:18:55,301
And it's made them a
target of hate for farmers.
238
00:18:59,638 --> 00:19:02,108
But dingoes
aren't all bad news.
239
00:19:02,108 --> 00:19:04,043
They play a key role
240
00:19:04,043 --> 00:19:06,545
in keeping the kangaroo and
rabbit populations down.
241
00:19:09,615 --> 00:19:11,617
Which can mean more grass
for livestock.
242
00:19:13,753 --> 00:19:17,456
And they prey on introduced
feral animals like foxes,
243
00:19:17,456 --> 00:19:20,059
which can improve the
survival of native species,
244
00:19:20,059 --> 00:19:22,061
including small marsupials.
245
00:19:27,366 --> 00:19:28,734
Dingoes hunt as a pack,
246
00:19:28,734 --> 00:19:31,470
and the only way they can
bring down big game
247
00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:33,172
is to work cooperatively.
248
00:19:36,409 --> 00:19:38,978
Bomber sends son Tom in
from one angle...
249
00:19:43,349 --> 00:19:45,117
..while he and Harold flank.
250
00:19:51,457 --> 00:19:54,060
It's a classic pincer
movement technique.
251
00:19:59,698 --> 00:20:03,169
But prey selection is a key
part of a successful hunt.
252
00:20:07,306 --> 00:20:10,076
These cows are
around 47 times
253
00:20:10,076 --> 00:20:11,544
the weight of
Bomber and Harold.
254
00:20:13,746 --> 00:20:17,249
And one well-placed kick
or horn-stab
could take them out.
255
00:20:28,127 --> 00:20:31,730
The dingoes look for
the old, the weak...
or the young.
256
00:20:40,706 --> 00:20:43,075
They've spotted a calf
in the middle of the herd.
257
00:20:44,844 --> 00:20:46,445
Like many hunting animals,
258
00:20:46,445 --> 00:20:49,248
the dingoes' prey drive
is triggered by movement.
259
00:20:50,182 --> 00:20:52,118
The more agitated
the cattle become,
260
00:20:52,118 --> 00:20:54,720
the more the dingoes become
intent on following them.
261
00:21:04,163 --> 00:21:06,565
But they soon realize
that three dingoes
262
00:21:06,565 --> 00:21:09,135
is nowhere near enough
to bring down even a calf.
263
00:21:13,606 --> 00:21:15,674
(Angry lowing)
264
00:21:34,493 --> 00:21:36,428
The dingoes have
to accept defeat.
265
00:21:44,603 --> 00:21:47,239
It's been an unsuccessful
hunt.
266
00:21:47,239 --> 00:21:49,441
And Bomber is clearly
upset about something.
267
00:21:49,441 --> 00:21:52,545
Harold has apparently
stepped out of line.
268
00:21:52,545 --> 00:21:54,647
(Snarling)
269
00:21:54,647 --> 00:21:56,515
(Barks)
270
00:21:59,118 --> 00:22:02,221
When dominance displays
don't convince Harold
who's boss,
271
00:22:02,221 --> 00:22:04,256
Bomber escalates to nipping.
272
00:22:05,257 --> 00:22:06,792
(Yelps)
273
00:22:06,792 --> 00:22:08,661
(Barks)
274
00:22:12,364 --> 00:22:15,434
Harold's body language
plainly states: 'I submit.'
275
00:22:18,804 --> 00:22:20,506
His lips are
curled right back,
276
00:22:20,506 --> 00:22:22,241
exposing the long canines
277
00:22:22,241 --> 00:22:24,443
that differentiate him
from the domestic dog.
278
00:22:28,113 --> 00:22:30,749
And his tail is right down
between his legs.
279
00:22:36,689 --> 00:22:39,491
But he's still a little bit
defiant...
280
00:22:39,491 --> 00:22:40,826
(Barks)
281
00:22:40,826 --> 00:22:43,229
..so Bomber needs to finish
making his point,
282
00:22:43,229 --> 00:22:45,564
and circles Harold
until he stands down
283
00:22:45,564 --> 00:22:47,633
and gives way to his alpha.
284
00:23:05,718 --> 00:23:08,053
It's important for the
cohesion of the group
285
00:23:08,053 --> 00:23:10,155
that Bomber's command
is emphasized.
286
00:23:17,830 --> 00:23:19,832
Finally,
Bomber is satisfied,
287
00:23:19,832 --> 00:23:22,434
but for today,
the two part ways.
288
00:23:30,109 --> 00:23:32,311
Harold is left alone
in the meadow.
289
00:23:40,286 --> 00:23:43,622
Unlike domestic dogs,
dingoes rarely bark.
290
00:23:47,526 --> 00:23:49,261
Instead they howl...
291
00:23:49,261 --> 00:23:51,230
(Howls)
292
00:23:51,230 --> 00:23:52,531
..and yowl.
293
00:23:52,531 --> 00:23:54,400
(Yowls)
294
00:23:55,601 --> 00:23:57,536
This eerie wolf-like noise
295
00:23:57,536 --> 00:24:00,072
is not completely understood
by scientists.
296
00:24:02,741 --> 00:24:05,511
But it seems
the significance of
the howling changes
297
00:24:05,511 --> 00:24:07,146
according to the situation.
298
00:24:09,114 --> 00:24:11,317
(Howls)
299
00:24:11,317 --> 00:24:13,652
They use it to locate other
members of the pack,
300
00:24:13,652 --> 00:24:16,622
and even to warn
neighboring packs
of their approach
301
00:24:16,622 --> 00:24:18,590
at a shared water source.
302
00:24:18,590 --> 00:24:21,226
This will minimize conflict
between the packs.
303
00:24:29,568 --> 00:24:30,969
Unencumbered by his sons,
304
00:24:30,969 --> 00:24:35,240
Bomber sets out on
one of his most important
jobs as alpha male:
305
00:24:36,308 --> 00:24:38,310
territory marking.
306
00:24:50,556 --> 00:24:53,592
The chemical messages he
leaves are full of
information.
307
00:24:55,327 --> 00:24:58,163
Most likely serving as a
warning to any other dingo
308
00:24:58,163 --> 00:25:00,132
with thoughts of violating
his borders:
309
00:25:05,471 --> 00:25:08,674
'This is my territory, and
I'm actively patrolling it.
310
00:25:08,674 --> 00:25:10,676
Stay out!'
311
00:25:31,363 --> 00:25:34,266
Bomber's found
a patch of another animal's
urine on the ground.
312
00:25:46,145 --> 00:25:49,648
This rolling may be to
disguise his own smell
while hunting,
313
00:25:49,648 --> 00:25:53,085
or perhaps to advertise
where he's been
314
00:25:53,085 --> 00:25:55,087
to the rest of the pack.
315
00:26:02,628 --> 00:26:06,031
Territory marked,
he can head back
to find the others.
316
00:26:25,818 --> 00:26:27,986
(Howls)
317
00:26:29,621 --> 00:26:33,992
On Fraser Island, Luke and
Ivy are out scavenging.
318
00:26:36,595 --> 00:26:39,565
Lying just off the
east coast of Australia,
319
00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:42,468
Fraser is the world's
largest sand island.
320
00:26:44,102 --> 00:26:46,538
Over 600 square miles
321
00:26:46,538 --> 00:26:48,740
of isolated, pristine
habitat.
322
00:26:52,845 --> 00:26:55,814
Its lakes and woods
offer ideal homes
323
00:26:55,814 --> 00:26:58,484
to a colony of around
120 dingoes.
324
00:27:06,725 --> 00:27:09,528
One of the biggest threats
to the future of the dingo
325
00:27:09,528 --> 00:27:12,664
is the cross-breeding or
hybridization that happens
326
00:27:12,664 --> 00:27:14,700
when they mate
with domestic dogs.
327
00:27:16,401 --> 00:27:19,338
And so, the dingoes
of Fraser Island
are thought to be
328
00:27:19,338 --> 00:27:20,806
the most genetically pure
329
00:27:20,806 --> 00:27:23,308
due to their isolation
from the mainland.
330
00:27:40,292 --> 00:27:42,828
Luke and Ivy are among the
many dingoes who are tagged
331
00:27:42,828 --> 00:27:44,663
as part of a monitoring
scheme.
332
00:27:48,066 --> 00:27:50,002
They live right
next to the beach.
333
00:27:51,637 --> 00:27:53,672
It's a popular spot
for fishermen,
334
00:27:53,672 --> 00:27:56,441
who often fillet
their catch on the beach,
335
00:27:56,441 --> 00:27:58,443
and bury the guts
in the sand.
336
00:28:02,147 --> 00:28:04,616
Luke and Ivy mostly spend
their time beachcombing
337
00:28:04,616 --> 00:28:07,286
for these hidden caches
of fish entrails.
338
00:28:15,761 --> 00:28:20,032
A dingo day is broken down
into around
65 per cent activity
339
00:28:20,032 --> 00:28:22,167
and 35 per cent resting.
340
00:28:28,774 --> 00:28:32,277
So while Luke
takes a snooze,
Ivy goes out scavenging.
341
00:28:40,652 --> 00:28:42,788
But even with her
dingo super-nose,
342
00:28:42,788 --> 00:28:44,623
she's not having much luck.
343
00:28:49,595 --> 00:28:51,496
In ideal conditions,
344
00:28:51,496 --> 00:28:54,166
she should eat around
seven per cent
of her body weight,
345
00:28:54,166 --> 00:28:57,002
about two pounds of food
every day.
346
00:29:03,108 --> 00:29:06,478
She's finding
a few small morsels,
but nothing like enough.
347
00:29:16,154 --> 00:29:18,490
For now, she retires
back to the tree-line
348
00:29:18,490 --> 00:29:21,693
away from the scalding heat
of the beach.
349
00:29:21,693 --> 00:29:24,129
Her coloring soon
makes her invisible
350
00:29:24,129 --> 00:29:26,365
as she merges
into the undergrowth.
351
00:29:43,415 --> 00:29:46,485
In Victoria, new parents
Saxon and Petal
352
00:29:46,485 --> 00:29:49,388
are taking
their little family out
for a morning stroll.
353
00:29:52,524 --> 00:29:54,159
Petal had four puppies
354
00:29:54,159 --> 00:29:56,194
and all of them are
strong and vigorous.
355
00:29:57,663 --> 00:29:59,398
Now six weeks old,
356
00:29:59,398 --> 00:30:01,700
the pups need to get used
to traveling the terrain,
357
00:30:01,700 --> 00:30:04,436
as well as familiarizing
themselves
358
00:30:04,436 --> 00:30:07,139
with the sights and smells
of the great outdoors.
359
00:30:10,308 --> 00:30:11,643
Once the days get warmer,
360
00:30:11,643 --> 00:30:13,612
the puppies will need
to start preparing
361
00:30:13,612 --> 00:30:15,614
for a more
independent life.
362
00:30:38,503 --> 00:30:39,871
As apex predators,
363
00:30:39,871 --> 00:30:43,408
full-grown dingoes don't
face many threats
from other animals...
364
00:30:45,544 --> 00:30:47,779
..but if the puppies wander
too far from the pack,
365
00:30:47,779 --> 00:30:49,848
they could still
make a tasty snack
366
00:30:49,848 --> 00:30:53,051
for a large bird of prey
like a kite or eagle.
367
00:30:54,619 --> 00:30:57,355
Mum and Dad
must keep a watchful eye
on all of them,
368
00:30:57,355 --> 00:30:59,558
but it's hard when,
like many toddlers,
369
00:30:59,558 --> 00:31:02,461
wandering off at high speed
is a specialty.
370
00:31:07,733 --> 00:31:10,669
One of the female puppies
gets separated from the
others.
371
00:31:14,506 --> 00:31:17,242
Overhead, a wedge-tailed
eagle circles.
372
00:31:19,077 --> 00:31:20,445
It's easily powerful enough
373
00:31:20,445 --> 00:31:22,447
to make short work
of a puppy.
374
00:31:36,728 --> 00:31:39,197
Saxon must find
his puppy fast.
375
00:31:39,197 --> 00:31:41,600
He leaves the rest of the
puppies with their mother
376
00:31:41,600 --> 00:31:44,402
and sets off to search for
his missing little one.
377
00:31:51,576 --> 00:31:53,578
He scans the horizon.
378
00:31:55,447 --> 00:31:57,549
His nose
is working overtime.
379
00:32:00,051 --> 00:32:02,821
But the little puppy
is still oblivious
to the danger she's in
380
00:32:02,821 --> 00:32:05,524
and is now quite far
from the rest of the family.
381
00:32:16,201 --> 00:32:18,203
Saxon picks up her scent.
382
00:32:28,513 --> 00:32:31,216
He finds her.
The little pup greets him.
383
00:32:31,216 --> 00:32:33,351
What looks like a
kiss hello, however,
384
00:32:33,351 --> 00:32:35,687
is really
a request for food.
385
00:32:40,192 --> 00:32:44,329
The little ones
instinctively rise up
and tap, sniff and lick
386
00:32:44,329 --> 00:32:45,530
their parents' muzzles
387
00:32:45,530 --> 00:32:48,233
as a signal
for their parents
to produce the goods.
388
00:32:52,370 --> 00:32:54,239
But Saxon isn't obliging.
389
00:33:05,116 --> 00:33:07,252
Back in Northern
New South Wales,
390
00:33:07,252 --> 00:33:10,388
mum Comet
is at the family's
base camp or lair,
391
00:33:10,388 --> 00:33:13,091
watching over her
puppies' afternoon nap.
392
00:33:16,695 --> 00:33:18,496
They're
eight weeks old now,
393
00:33:18,496 --> 00:33:20,665
and already much more
advanced.
394
00:33:22,300 --> 00:33:25,237
As well as
gradually weaning them
from milk to solids
395
00:33:25,237 --> 00:33:30,342
over the next few weeks
Comet also needs to make
them more self-reliant.
396
00:33:30,342 --> 00:33:34,246
They must learn
to be aware of danger,
be able to find food
397
00:33:34,246 --> 00:33:36,081
and look after themselves.
398
00:33:39,384 --> 00:33:40,819
As summer approaches,
399
00:33:40,819 --> 00:33:42,654
the dingoes
will move on from the log
400
00:33:42,654 --> 00:33:45,323
and Comet
needs to make sure
that the pups can survive
401
00:33:45,323 --> 00:33:47,325
without her guidance
and care.
402
00:33:49,628 --> 00:33:52,097
She leaves them alone
for short periods
403
00:33:52,097 --> 00:33:54,299
to begin preparing them
for adult life.
404
00:34:05,243 --> 00:34:07,212
As soon as the puppies
wake up,
405
00:34:07,212 --> 00:34:10,548
they realize that
neither Mum nor Dad
are anywhere to be seen.
406
00:34:22,394 --> 00:34:26,398
The boldest puppy, Mojo,
sets off to find Mom.
407
00:34:29,200 --> 00:34:31,202
He checks out the log...
408
00:34:32,804 --> 00:34:35,006
..the fields...
409
00:34:38,276 --> 00:34:40,278
..then goes even further.
410
00:34:44,115 --> 00:34:47,052
Mojo totters all the way
down to the water's edge.
411
00:34:52,257 --> 00:34:55,293
The puddle of mud is a brief
but welcome distraction.
412
00:35:05,170 --> 00:35:08,573
He joins forces
with his sister,
who's looking for Mom too.
413
00:35:12,210 --> 00:35:15,613
But the only adult they can
find is big brother Harold.
414
00:35:23,088 --> 00:35:26,224
He's just as uneasy around
the puppies as ever.
415
00:35:42,273 --> 00:35:43,775
At just over a year old,
416
00:35:43,775 --> 00:35:46,544
Harold isn't long out of
puppyhood himself.
417
00:36:04,229 --> 00:36:05,764
And like many big siblings,
418
00:36:05,764 --> 00:36:08,433
he's got no desire to hang
out with the little ones.
419
00:36:21,246 --> 00:36:24,215
Finally, Comet returns
with some food she's found.
420
00:36:26,518 --> 00:36:27,685
She's desperately thin
421
00:36:27,685 --> 00:36:31,089
after suckling
five voracious puppies
for eight weeks
422
00:36:31,089 --> 00:36:33,258
and doesn't feel like
sharing.
423
00:36:33,258 --> 00:36:35,126
(Growls)
424
00:36:41,499 --> 00:36:44,169
But she needs much more
than she's found.
425
00:36:48,173 --> 00:36:51,509
She's not been able to hunt
properly for almost two
months.
426
00:36:51,509 --> 00:36:53,678
It's been Bomber's
job to feed her.
427
00:36:54,779 --> 00:36:57,749
And today he's doing
his job diligently.
428
00:36:59,384 --> 00:37:02,087
It's not unusual to come
across dead animals or
carrion
429
00:37:02,087 --> 00:37:05,323
in the Australian bush and
Bomber's found a real
prize...
430
00:37:11,129 --> 00:37:13,131
..a wallaby carcass.
431
00:37:15,800 --> 00:37:18,002
Comet greedily tucks in.
432
00:37:19,170 --> 00:37:21,739
Bomber takes a relaxed
position to one side,
433
00:37:21,739 --> 00:37:24,075
and allows his mate to eat.
434
00:37:25,076 --> 00:37:27,745
He knows now isn't the time
to ask for a share.
435
00:37:35,053 --> 00:37:37,355
Wallaby is a common
prey item for dingoes,
436
00:37:37,355 --> 00:37:40,325
and hungry Comet wants to
keep this juicy dinner
437
00:37:40,325 --> 00:37:42,327
all to herself.
438
00:37:45,296 --> 00:37:48,800
Comet's able to
slice through
the wallaby's bone, sinew
439
00:37:48,800 --> 00:37:51,569
and toughest gristle
with the greatest of ease.
440
00:37:55,206 --> 00:37:57,242
Her teeth are
similar to that of a dog,
441
00:37:57,242 --> 00:37:59,577
although her canines
are longer.
442
00:38:02,147 --> 00:38:06,251
At the back of her jaw,
powerful carnassial teeth
443
00:38:06,251 --> 00:38:08,253
easily shear through flesh
and bone.
444
00:38:14,459 --> 00:38:17,529
The puppies venture a move
towards the meat.
445
00:38:35,547 --> 00:38:37,415
(Growls)
446
00:38:42,820 --> 00:38:46,558
The two bravest puppies
make another try
for the carcass.
447
00:38:50,495 --> 00:38:52,330
Now Comet's got some down,
448
00:38:52,330 --> 00:38:54,332
she's prepared
to tolerate them.
449
00:38:57,335 --> 00:38:59,737
Even at this young age the
puppies are finding out
450
00:38:59,737 --> 00:39:01,372
which of them is
the more dominant.
451
00:39:05,076 --> 00:39:06,945
(Growling)
452
00:39:14,519 --> 00:39:16,354
(Yaps)
453
00:39:24,596 --> 00:39:27,665
Little Mojo apparently
isn't at the top of
the pecking order.
454
00:39:53,491 --> 00:39:55,693
Bomber decides he's
been patient enough.
455
00:40:05,203 --> 00:40:07,071
(Snarls)
456
00:40:08,439 --> 00:40:10,441
But Comet's having
none of it.
457
00:40:29,227 --> 00:40:32,664
Bomber is forced to settle
for a piece that she's
discarded.
458
00:40:58,356 --> 00:41:00,758
Comet and the pups
have made short work
of the wallaby.
459
00:41:07,565 --> 00:41:09,434
(Growling)
460
00:41:19,577 --> 00:41:21,612
They wash down their meal
with a drink.
461
00:41:24,182 --> 00:41:26,184
Dingoes can go
days without drinking,
462
00:41:26,184 --> 00:41:28,419
but when they have
access to water,
463
00:41:28,419 --> 00:41:31,089
they like to drink
a pint or two a day
464
00:41:31,089 --> 00:41:32,657
depending on how hot it is.
465
00:41:34,726 --> 00:41:36,728
Time to settle down
for a nap.
466
00:41:52,377 --> 00:41:55,546
On Fraser Island, Ivy and
Luke are still hungry.
467
00:42:09,460 --> 00:42:11,796
Ivy has spent hours
crisscrossing the beach
468
00:42:11,796 --> 00:42:13,598
looking for
fishermen's cast-offs
469
00:42:13,598 --> 00:42:15,700
with very little
to show for it.
470
00:42:20,405 --> 00:42:22,373
Now it's Luke's turn.
471
00:42:26,477 --> 00:42:28,713
He starts by looking
for some crabs.
472
00:42:30,415 --> 00:42:32,383
The crustaceans
bury themselves
473
00:42:32,383 --> 00:42:34,385
in holes in the sand.
474
00:42:40,858 --> 00:42:43,060
But there are none
in evidence.
475
00:42:47,098 --> 00:42:49,567
And he doesn't find any
buried fish guts either.
476
00:42:51,269 --> 00:42:53,671
Luke and Ivy aren't doing
well going solo.
477
00:42:54,672 --> 00:42:57,275
Even with their
super-smell, keen vision
478
00:42:57,275 --> 00:43:00,344
and ears that can hear four
times further than humans,
479
00:43:00,344 --> 00:43:03,181
not every hunt is
going to be successful.
480
00:43:13,524 --> 00:43:17,161
But once they team up and
after an hour of searching
together...
481
00:43:19,597 --> 00:43:22,500
..they unearth a large stash
of discarded fish.
482
00:43:36,214 --> 00:43:38,616
They tuck in, bones and all.
483
00:44:03,708 --> 00:44:05,610
Back in Northern New
South Wales,
484
00:44:05,610 --> 00:44:07,612
Bomber's off hunting again.
485
00:44:13,684 --> 00:44:16,053
Comet didn't leave much
of the wallaby carcass
486
00:44:16,053 --> 00:44:19,123
for anyone else
in the family,
so he's still hungry.
487
00:44:20,525 --> 00:44:23,394
His hunting range is huge.
488
00:44:23,394 --> 00:44:26,697
Dingoes regularly travel
around 25 miles a day.
489
00:44:31,302 --> 00:44:33,304
He investigates
the forest...
490
00:44:36,707 --> 00:44:38,509
..but his keen
sense of smell
491
00:44:38,509 --> 00:44:41,145
has picked up a scent
around half a mile away.
492
00:44:48,085 --> 00:44:50,087
He follows the trail...
493
00:44:55,693 --> 00:44:59,330
..until he pinpoints
the source of the smell
inside a log.
494
00:45:09,407 --> 00:45:11,409
But it's proving difficult
to get to.
495
00:45:28,426 --> 00:45:30,761
Bomber slowly demolishes
the log.
496
00:45:33,397 --> 00:45:35,266
Digging...
497
00:45:36,601 --> 00:45:38,469
..scraping...
498
00:45:39,570 --> 00:45:42,373
..even biting off wood
to get to his prize...
499
00:45:53,217 --> 00:45:55,219
..a dead rabbit.
500
00:46:02,159 --> 00:46:05,029
Finally, he can enjoy
a meal of his own.
501
00:46:15,539 --> 00:46:18,309
It's a just reward
for such a diligent dad,
502
00:46:18,309 --> 00:46:21,879
who, belly full, returns
to his mate and puppies.
503
00:46:26,150 --> 00:46:29,220
Whether they're
scavenging for food
like Luke and Ivy...
504
00:46:31,255 --> 00:46:35,493
..or raising the next
generation of puppies like
Saxon and Petal,
505
00:46:35,493 --> 00:46:38,562
or teaching
youngsters to hunt
like Comet and Bomber...
506
00:46:39,797 --> 00:46:43,000
..Australia's dingoes are
fascinating canids.
507
00:46:44,602 --> 00:46:46,370
Their defined
social structure,
508
00:46:46,370 --> 00:46:48,539
extraordinary
communication skills
509
00:46:48,539 --> 00:46:51,108
and remarkable devotion
to their families
510
00:46:51,108 --> 00:46:54,311
reveals that dingoes
are far more than
ruthless predators
511
00:46:54,311 --> 00:46:57,515
and that they lead rich
and complex lives.
512
00:46:59,650 --> 00:47:01,986
(Howls)
41045
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