Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole), Habitats and Conservation Status

Learn about Asiatic Wild Dogs, also known as Dholes—their habitat, behavior, conservation status, and role in maintaining ecological balance in Asia's forest ecosystems.

Table of Contents

Context: May 28 is celebrated as World Dhole Day.

About Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole)

Common Names: Asiatic wild dog, whistling dog, red dog.
Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus.
Family: Canidae (dog family).
Geographic Range: Found across central, south, and southeast Asia.

World Dhole Day

World Dhole Day is observed on May 28th every year. The main goal of World Dhole Day is to bring global awareness about the dhole (Cuon alpinus), or the Asiatic wild dog/whistling dog. Dholes are an endangered species, frequently being ignored despite being threatened more than more well-known carnivores such as tigers, leopards, or Asian elephants.

Fact

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Visakhapatnam) houses the highest population of Dhole.

Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole) in India

In India: Present in

Shivalik foothills,
Northeastern India,
Eastern Deccan Plateau,
Eastern Ghats,
Western Ghats.

Preferred Habitats

Tropical dry forests
Tropical moist forests
Temperate forests
Production agroforests

Social Behaviour

Live in clans rather than traditional “packs”.
Clans often split into smaller hunting groups of 3–5 individuals, especially during the spring season.
Highly social and cooperative animals.

Conservation Status of Dholes

IUCN List of Threatened Species: Endangered
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II