Emus are most abundant in areas used for extensive sheep grazing. Their density is lower in grain-growing areas, lower still in areas used for extensive cattle grazing, and lowest in those areas that are not used for any commercial purpose (mainly deserts). This pattern of emu density appears to be linked to climatic factors determining the availability of food during breeding, to the availability of naturally occurring and artificially stored surface water, and to the prevalence of dingos.