Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

About Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole):

• It is a wild canid found in the forests of central, south, and southeast Asia. 
• Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus
• Other Names: Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog and mountain wolf.
• Distribution:
  • They are found throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia. 
  • They can be seen as far north as Siberia, as far south as some Malaysian islands, and as far west as the Indian peninsula. 
  • They are found in three clusters across India, namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape and North East India. The Western and Eastern Ghats is a stronghold region for dholes.
• Habitat:  Dholes are animals that inhabit dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests. 
• Features:
  • Its length ranges between 76 and 100 cm (30 and 40 inches), exclusive of the 28–48-centimetre (11–19-inch) tail, and its weight is from 14 to 21 kg.
  • They vary in color from charcoal gray to rust red to sandy beige, depending on their habitat.
  • Their tail is brushy and fox-like, often with a black tip. 
  • They do have lighter coloration along their chest, belly, and paws.
  • Dholes are highly social animals, and they frequently hunt in packs of 5 to 12. These clans may grow to as many as 30 or 40 members. 
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • The Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule II
  • CITES: Appendix II

Q1) What are canids?

Canids are a family of mammals belonging to the order Carnivora. They are commonly known as the dog family and encompass a wide range of species, including domestic dogs, wolves, foxes, jackals, and several other wild canines. 

Source: Astonishing encounter: Villagers stunned by rare sighting of Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole) pack in Theerthahalli