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Region: Australasia Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Canidae Genus: Canis Scientific Name: Canis lupis hallstromi
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Description:
NGSDs are about 35-43 cm at the shoulders and weigh between 8-14 kgs. They possess a broad muzzle and wide cheekbones. The ears are pointed and broad and are set towards the side of the head. Eyes are obliquely set.
Their upper first molars (carnassial teeth) are exceptionally long, about 10% of skull length, much larger than any domestic canid.
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Distribution:
Distribution is restricted to New Guinea. Evidence suggests they were brought to the island between 6,000 and 9,000 years ago by aborigines and eventually populated all of the ecological zones of the island. They were later restricted to the upper interior mountains by the intrusion of early farmers.
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Habitat:
Typically inhabit mixed forest, beech and mossy forest, sub-alpine coniferous forest, and alpine grassland. They can be found at elevations of 2500-4700 m, which is considered an exceptional altitude for a canine. The only other canine noted for living at similar altitudes is the Ethiopian Wolf (Canis simensis).
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Food:
In the wild, NGSDs are opportunistic predator/scavengers. They feed upon small to medium sized marsupials, rodents, birds and fruits; they are reported to consume prey in neglected hunter traps and have been known to take New Guinea Harpy eagles and dwarf cassowaries!
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Reproduction and Development:
Female NGSDs have an extraordinary oestrus cycle. Their breeding season coincides with the springtime (August in New Guinea) and is triggered by changes in day length. If mating is unsuccessful, the female will come into heat again in 4-12 weeks. This cycle pattern has not been recorded before in any other canid. During oestrus, same-sex specimens often fight to the point of severe injury or death for the right to mate. At any time these dogs show a high degree of aggression towards any unfamiliar canids and are strongly territorial.
Gestation averages 63 days and yields 4-5 pups whose eyes and ears open at 12-14 days.
Teeth erupt as early as 12-25 days, much earlier than dogs with a history of domestication. Pups are 1/3 adult weight by 8 weeks and total physical maturation is completed by about 4 years. Sexual maturity is achieved at about 2 years of age.
Captive males have been known to provide parental care to both their mates and offspring. The parental care is provided until the following oestrus when pups are aggressively treated and pushed to independence. NGSDs do not form permanent packs.
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Adaptations:
NGSDs are well adapted to their steep, rocky, thickly wooded habitats. Loose spines and flexible joints allow them to climb, run, and pounce like a cat.
Their eyes are almond-shaped, obliquely angled, and highly reflective of low light, allowing them to hunt during the night. The ears can be rotated independently allowing for heightened hearing capability. The feet are webbed.
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Threats to Survival:
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Status:
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Zoo Diet:
Fed free choice dog chow which the dogs share equally amongst themselves and who only eats small quantities throughout the day. They also receive marrow bones, and lamb and rice.
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Animal Fact Sheet
The New Tundra Trek