The Asiatic wild dog, also known as dhole (Cuon alpinus), a rare and endangered carnivore believed to have disappeared from Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL), has been sighted again after a prolonged absence. This rediscovery, captured through camera traps by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and documented in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, sheds light on the potential revival of the species in the area.
Why is this Rediscovery Significant?
A recent scientific study unveiled the first photographic evidence of the dhole in KKAL after many years, conducted by a team of scientists from WII. This development carries substantial implications for wildlife conservation, especially for lesser-known carnivores, hinting at the species’ survival and raising hopes for its long-term existence in northeastern India.
Key Findings and Importance
- Study Team: Researchers from WII including Mujahid Ahamad, Jyotish Ranjan Deka, Priyanka Borah, Umar Saeed, Ruchi Badola, and Syed Ainul Hussain.
- Location: The dhole was spotted in the Amguri animal corridor in KKAL, Assam.
- Camera Trap Recordings: Six sightings of a single dhole, with the closest sighting at 375 meters from NH-37 and 270 meters from the nearest human settlement.
Studied Corridors in KKAL
- Panbari
- Haldhibari
- Kanchanjuri
- Amguri
Ecological Significance of Dholes
- Dholes serve as indicators of healthy forest ecosystems and are sensitive to habitat disruptions.
- Their reappearance stresses the importance of conserving animal corridors not only for prominent species like tigers and elephants but also for lesser-known wildlife.
Key Details
- Scientific Name: Cuon alpinus
- IUCN Status: Endangered
- Behavior: Social carnivores that can form packs of up to 30 individuals but also hunt alone.
- Distribution: Found in various Asian countries including India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Conservation Implications
- This rediscovery serves as a crucial alert for conservation efforts.
- Forest corridors like Amguri play a vital role in genetic diversity, safe migration, and species recovery.
- There is an urgent need to protect, restore, and monitor such corridors to ensure the survival of endangered species like the dhole.
Summary of the Rediscovery
| Why in the news? | Elusive Return: Asiatic Wild Dog Rediscovered in Kaziranga |
| Species | Dhole / Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) |
| Location | Amguri corridor, Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, Assam |
| Study Conducted By | Wildlife Institute of India (WII) |
| Method Used | Camera trapping |
| Number of Sightings | 6 sightings of a single individual |
| Conservation Status | Endangered (IUCN) |
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- The rediscovery of the Asiatic wild dog, or dhole, in Kaziranga highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in critical wildlife corridors.
- Conservation efforts in protecting and restoring habitats for endangered species like the dhole are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
- Understanding the ecological significance of lesser-known species can aid in comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies.
