dhole

The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog or Indian wild dog, is a canid found in parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is the sole extant member of the genus Cuon. Dholes have a uniform tawny to reddish coat with a darker dorsal stripe and a lighter throat and chest, a relatively long tail with a dark tip, and rounded ears. Adults are medium-sized, with a slender build adapted for stamina.

Dholes historically ranged widely across southern and eastern Asia, from India and Nepal to parts of Southeast Asia. Today they occupy fragmented populations in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, with occurrences in some protected areas of other neighboring countries. They inhabit forests, grasslands, scrub, and mixed environments where large herbivores are present, often avoiding dense human settlements and open agricultural landscapes.

Behavior and ecology: Dholes are highly social and live in flexible packs that typically number from five to a dozen individuals, occasionally exceeding twenty. Packs hunt cooperatively, targeting medium to large prey such as deer (including chital and sambar), wild bovids, and boar. They can take down prey larger than themselves and are known for sustained chases over long distances. Vocal communication includes whistles, yips, and a variety of calls used to coordinate hunts and maintain pack cohesion. Alloparenting and cooperative care of pups are common within packs.

Reproduction: Breeding and denning periods vary by region, with gestation around 63 to 70 days. Litters usually consist of several pups, which are cared for by the entire pack.

Conservation status: The dhole is classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss, prey depletion, human-wildlife conflict, and disease transmission from domestic dogs. Protected areas and cross-border conservation efforts are critical for its continued survival.