By: Matthew Thompson, Freelance Journalist
Date: 10 July 2025
Sydney, NSW: In a bold initiative to showcase the diverse wildlife of Australia, the ABC Radio, in collaboration with conservationists and scientists, has embarked on an ambitious project to record and document the unique vocalisations of dingoes. This innovative endeavour has seen a modified version of the popular TV series, The Outback Patrol, hitting the Australian outback to capture the haunting calls of the country’s most iconic marsupial predator.
A Unique Collaboration
For over 20 years, the ABC Radio’s The Outback Patrol has been taking listeners on thrilling adventures across the Australian outback. The long-running series follows a team of rugged explorers as they navigate the unforgiving terrain, exploring the rich cultural heritage and incredible wildlife of the country. This year, the show’s producers have joined forces with a team of experts from the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to create an unforgettable experience that will showcase the captivating vocalisations of the dingo.
Modified Patrol Vehicle
To facilitate the recording of dingo sounds, a specially modified patrol vehicle has been designed to accommodate an array of cutting-edge equipment. The four-wheel-drive vehicle, affectionately dubbed the "Dingo Mobile," is equipped with a range of high-specification microphones, a state-of-the-art digital recorder, and a ruggedised computer system. The vehicle’s purpose-built acoustic chamber allows the crew to capture the delicate sounds of the dingoes in crystal-clear fidelity, making for a truly immersive experience for listeners.
Expert Insights
We spoke with Dr. Emma Taylor, lead researcher on the project and a renowned expert in dingo behaviour and ecology, about the significance of this endeavour. "The sounds of the dingo are an integral part of Australia’s sonic landscape, yet they remain one of the most poorly understood aspects of their biology. This project will not only provide an unprecedented opportunity to record and document these vocalisations but also shed new light on the complex social dynamics of these incredible animals."
The ACF’s Conservation Director, Mr. James Smith, added that "the sounds captured during this expedition will not only enhance our understanding of the dingo’s ecological importance but also contribute to the creation of a comprehensive sound profile for this species. This, in turn, will inform more effective conservation strategies and provide valuable insights for Australian wildlife experts and enthusiasts alike."
Recording in the Field
During the expedition, the crew of the Dingo Mobile will be navigating the unforgiving terrain of remote outback regions, where the elusive dingo calls can often go unheard. But with the assistance of a range of expert guides and local indigenous communities, the team will be able to track and locate the dingoes, setting up in strategically advantageous locations to capture the haunting calls of these remarkable animals.
Using a combination of camera traps, motion detectors, and observational fieldwork, the team will be able to pinpoint the whereabouts of the dingoes, ensuring that the crew is able to capture high-quality recordings of their unique vocalisations.
Behind the Scenes
As we spoke with the production team, it became clear that the Dingo Mobile is not just a recording vehicle but a highly equipped mobile laboratory, with an array of technical experts and conservationists working tirelessly to capture the sounds of the dingoes in all their complexity.
"The technical challenges of recording dingo sounds in the field are vast," said Mark Jenkins, the show’s producer. "We’re dealing with extreme temperatures, humidity, and background noise – not to mention the fact that we’re often in areas with limited access to infrastructure and resources. But we’re up to the challenge, and we’re confident that our efforts will pay off in a series of truly unforgettable recordings."
The Future of Conservation
The ABC Radio’s The Outback Patrol has long been an integral part of Australia’s storytelling landscape, but this project marks a bold new chapter in the series’ development. As the team returns with their findings, listeners will be treated to an immersive sonic experience that not only showcases the captivating sounds of the dingo but also sheds new light on the importance of conservation and the interconnectedness of our country’s ecosystems.
The ABC Radio’s Commitment to Conservation
In a statement, the ABC Radio reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, saying "We’re proud to be partnering with the ACF and UNSW on this important project, and we look forward to sharing the results with our listeners across the country. We believe that storytelling has the power to raise awareness, inspire change, and promote a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Through The Outback Patrol, we aim to inspire a new generation of Australians to engage with the environment and to become champions of conservation."
The Expedition’s Impact
The expedition is expected to last several weeks, with a team of experts working tirelessly to capture the sounds of the dingoes in remote outback locations. The resulting recordings will be a valuable contribution to the field of dingo conservation and will provide a unique opportunity for listeners to experience the haunting calls of these incredible animals in a whole new way.
As the sun rises over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Australian outback, the crew of the Dingo Mobile sets off on their mission to capture the sounds of the dingo. For the ABC Radio’s The Outback Patrol, this is more than just a recording project – it’s an opportunity to tell a story that will resonate with listeners across the country and inspire a new generation of conservationists.
In Conclusion
The partnership between the ABC Radio, the ACF, and UNSW represents a bold new chapter in Australian broadcasting and conservation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and storytelling in promoting environmental awareness and action. The recordings captured during this expedition will be a lasting legacy, not only for the crew but also for the countless Australians who will be captivated by the haunting sounds of the dingo.
With its vast, unforgiving landscapes and resilient wildlife, the Australian outback offers a truly unique perspective on the natural world. Through The Outback Patrol and the Dingo Mobile, the ABC Radio will be sharing this perspective with audiences across Australia, inspiring a new wave of conservationists, explorers, and wildlife enthusiasts to join the conversation.