New archaeological research has established clear connections between the fossils of the well-known Australian dingo and dogs from East Asia and New Guinea for the very first time.
Recent archaeological investigations by the University of Sydney have revealed new evidence linking fossils of the iconic Australian dingo with dogs from East Asia and New Guinea.
This significant discovery indicates that the dingo originated from East Asia and passed through Melanesia, contradicting earlier theories that suggested its descent from pariah dogs found in India or Thailand.
Earlier research primarily relied on conventional morphometric analysis, which assesses the size and shape of animals using calipers, to connect the dingo’s origins to South Asia.
In contrast, the new research, featured in Nature Scientific Reports, employs advanced 3D scanning and geometric morphometrics applied to ancient dingo specimens, highlighting their close similarity to Japanese dogs and the ‘singing dogs’ from New Guinea, as well as the highland wild dog of Irian Jaya.
Dr. Loukas Koungoulos, a research associate in Archaeology at the University of Sydney, stated: “The debate surrounding the origins of this contentious Australian native species has spanned over a century. Our research has unveiled the first significant fossil evidence suggesting that dingoes have locally evolved from an East Asian dog-like ancestor.”
Dr. Koungoulos continued: “The archaeological sites at Lake Mungo and Lake Milkengay provide some of the oldest records of dingoes in Australia. It’s remarkable to observe how these extraordinary animals have adapted over thousands of years, enhancing our understanding of this distinctly Australian species.”
The research team, which included Associate Professor Melanie Fillios from the University of New England and Dr. Ardern Hulme-Beaman from the University of Liverpool, examined the remains of ancient dingoes discovered at Lake Mungo and Lake Milkengay in western New South Wales.
Associate Professor Melanie Fillios commented: “Our study highlights the long history of dingoes, suggesting a shared ancestor between dingoes and recently evolved canines in Southeast Asia.”
In partnership with the Traditional Owners of the Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area, the team employed radiocarbon dating techniques and found that some of the remains were older than 3,000 years.
Additionally, the researchers noted that modern dingoes have grown larger and leaner, with an average height of 54 cm compared to their ancient predecessors, who measured between 40-47 cm—similar in size to their current relatives in Southeast Asia and Melanesia.
