Dhole

Cuon alpinus Cova Negra

Leopold v. Schrenck - Cuon alpinus

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202104 Dog

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Dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes (Plate I)

Dogs, jackals, wolves, and foxes (Plate IX)

Dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asian wild dog, Indian wild dog, or red dog, is a canid native to Central, South, and Southeast Asia. The dhole is a highly social animal, living in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies and is known for its remarkable endurance in pursuit of prey. This species is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to ongoing habitat loss, depletion of its prey base, competition from other predators, persecution, and possibly diseases from domestic and feral dogs.

Description

The dhole is a medium-sized canid, with a lean and muscular body, standing around 45-50 cm tall at the shoulder. It has a reddish coat, with a distinctive bushy tail, and white or cream fur on its chest and belly. Unlike most other canids, the dhole has only 40 teeth, and its molars are adapted for a diet that is heavily reliant on meat.

Habitat and Distribution

Dholes are adaptable in habitat preferences but are primarily found in dense forests and alpine regions. Their range extends from the Russian Far East across much of East Asia, down into the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. The species' presence in these areas is heavily fragmented, and many populations are isolated due to human activities.

Behavior

Dholes are highly social animals, forming packs of up to 40 individuals, though smaller groups are more common. These packs are cooperative, working together to hunt and care for the young. Dholes communicate with a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, screams, and growls. Their social structure is flexible, lacking the strict hierarchy seen in some other social canids.

Diet

Primarily carnivorous, dholes predominantly hunt large ungulates such as deer and wild boar, but they can adapt their diet based on availability, occasionally consuming small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. They are cooperative hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves through teamwork.

Conservation

The dhole is considered Endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment, competition with other predators like leopards and tigers, persecution by humans, and disease transmission from domestic dogs. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, research, and community-based conservation programs to mitigate human-dhole conflicts.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, dholes are featured in folklore and mythology. However, they are often misunderstood and persecuted as pests or threats to livestock. Increasing awareness and understanding of the ecological role of dholes is crucial for their conservation.