A fresh study has captivatingly brought to light the existence of dholes, also known as Asiatic wild dogs, in Central Asia’s lofty ranges. This discovery, occurring close to thirty years after these intriguing canids were last spotted in the region, placed them in the Bek-Tosot Conservancy. Located in Kyrgyzstan’s southern Osh region and merely several kilometers from the Tajik border, this conservancy adds a new chapter to the mysterious tale of these elusive creatures. Remarkably, the area falls within China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region, nestled amidst the scenic Pamir mountain range.
A Closer Look at Dholes
Falling under the scientific name Cuon alpinus, dholes are fascinating carnivorous beings belonging to the Canidae family and Mammalia class. As such, they hold close ties to the wider canine family, with their distinct natural behaviour leading to the alternate moniker of Asian wild dogs.
Historically, their habitat spread extensively across Southern Russia and throughout Central Asia, reaching down to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Presently, however, research and distribution maps suggest a more limited scope. The animals now seem primarily concentrated within South and Southeast Asia, with the northernmost populations spotted in China. In India, three main clusters emerge – the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape, and North East India. Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have been identified as ranking high in the country’s conservation efforts for this endangered species, based on a 2020 study.
The Ecosystem Significance of Dholes
Dholes undertake a crucial role within forest ecosystems as apex predators. Their natural predatory behaviors contribute significantly to maintaining balance within these habitats.
Dholes: A Critical Conservation Status
From a conservation dimension, the situation surrounding dholes raises concern. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List of Threatened Species classifies them as ‘Endangered’. Similarly, they are included in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In line with this, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, places them under Schedule II.
Reasons Behind Dhole Population Decline
Several key factors are driving the downward trend in dhole numbers. Firstly, ongoing habitat loss presents a pressing issue. This is caused primarily by broad-scale deforestation and fragmentation of forest corridors, disrupting their natural homes. Secondly, depletion in their prey base, of which ungulates form a significant part, poses another challenge. The rapid decline in these animals’ numbers can be attributed to excessive hunting and habitat loss. Lastly, persecution due to livestock predation and disease transmission from domestic and feral dogs adds further pressure on their survival.
Throughout the next years, conservation efforts would need to address these issues head-on. Balancing sustainable development with wildlife preservation remains a crucial task ahead in ensuring the survival of these unique creatures.
