Scientific name: Cuon Alpinus
A Dhole is an Asiatic wild dog, also known as a whistling dog. These animals are extremely athletic and which helps them hunting as packs. They are mostly found in Eastern and Southern Asia, occupying a wide range of habitats.
An interesting fact is that Dholes are excellent communicators. They create a whistle-like sound while communicating with one another. Click on the link below to hear how they sound:
These animals are part of packs with an alpha Dhole taking charge.
The main threat to the species is habitat loss and fragmentation. Moreover, due to disease and human conflict, Dholes are now endangered. They are viewed as pests by communities, leading to their deaths and a reduction in their prey. Additionally, even human measures to protect the species fall short as it is difficult for them to adapt to zoo habitat. A fun fact is that they are apex predators of their food chain.
To help this endangered species, the best thing is to spread awareness of this population. Compared to more mainstream animals like tigers, Dholes are not ‘popular’. Additionally, these animals are very hard to locate which makes it difficult for scientists to investigate this specie.
Write-up by Aanya Chowbey and Art by Ashlyn Tracy Ribeiro
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