Eye in the sky: observing wild dingo hunting behaviour using drones

Abstract

Context The behaviours used by mammalian predators to track, kill, and consume prey are some of the most dynamic interspecific interactions in nature. However, they are often challenging to follow through the landscape and observe directly without disturbing the animals being watched. Aims We describe the behaviours used by wild dingoes while hunting macropods in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. Methods Footage was initially captured by wildlife cinematographers on behalf of documentary programs and was made available for viewing after production. Hunting events were filmed from an altitude of >50 m by using a ‘long lens’ fitted to either a drone or helicopter. Results We recorded a suite of hunting behaviours that would have been extremely challenging to observe from the ground via traditional methods. This includes some of the first video records published in the scientific literature of the behaviours used by dingoes to hunt and kill macropod prey, as well as some rare observations of mother and pup hunting dynamics. We did not observe any signs of disturbance as a result of filming for either predator or prey. Conclusions The varied repertoire of predatory behaviours displayed by dingoes is similar to that documented in wolves and asserts them as a behaviourally complex top predator in the Australian landscape. In addition, we highlight the use of drones as a valuable approach for directly observing wild behaviours. They offer a minimally invasive and relatively inexpensive and accessible alternative to helicopters. This project is also a case study exemplifying the value of collaborations between filmmakers and researchers that enable the sharing of archival documentary footage for the study of wild animal behaviour. Implications Future studies of wild animal behaviour should consider employing drones (at a safe distance and in accordance with published best practices and guidelines) as an additional tool to collect types of data that would be challenging using other methods.