Dingoes tracked by satellite

Dingoes in the Crescent Head and Maria River areas have been wired with satellite-tracking collars to help improve wildlife management.

NSW Department of Primary Industries researcher, Dr Guy Ballard, said dingoes were being tracked to provide important information about their behaviour and interactions with threatened species.

"GPS collars are used to constantly monitor the dogs via satellite," Dr Ballard said.

"After a set period of time the collars automatically drop off.

"Satellite tracking continues so we can recover the collars, even if other animals or people move them."

According to Dr Ballard, this monitoring is vital to the management of wildlife.

"Maintaining local populations of animals such as quolls, koalas and squirrel gliders requires active research to complement the efforts of the many local landholders who are working with the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority to enhance wildlife habitat," he said.

"As top predator, the dingoes’ movements, behaviour and diet are likely to have an impact on a range of species that are important to local landholders and the environment."

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