A new study has thrown light on the commendable efforts of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh in the conservation of the endangered Dhole in India. The comprehensive research was jointly undertaken by scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society-India, the University of Florida, the Wildlife Conservation Trust, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences.
Key Points Discussed in the Study
Investigating the tenets of retention, recovery and restoration of dholes in India proved to be a significant focus in this study. The results indicated that Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have made significant strides in consolidating forest habitats and recovering populations of Dhole. This success is reportedly due to efforts towards increasing prey density and relieving the pressure on forests.
Suggestions for Future Conservation Initiatives
The study also outlines future conservation guidelines for states like Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Goa. Encouraging financial investments in the forest and wildlife sectors is a key recommendation. These regions are also urged to review existing policies and potentially decrease the ease of obtaining forest clearances for infrastructure projects.
Strengthening Dhole Populations
The scientists suggested that improving habitat conditions and augmenting prey densities in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha can reinforce the link between dhole populations in the Western Ghats and central India.
About the Dhole
A member of the canine family, the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a wild carnivorous animal predominantly found in Central, South, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Often referred to as Asian wild dogs, Dholes play a pivotal role as apex predators in forest ecosystems.
The Conservation Status of Dhole
Classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Dhole is protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In 2014, India saw the establishment of the first conservation breeding centre for the Dhole at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP).
Threats to Dhole
The survival of the Dhole species is significantly threatened by ongoing habitat loss which is primarily due to deforestation and destruction of forest corridors. Furthermore, the depletion of their prey base, largely ungulates, through excessive hunting and habitat loss adds another layer of challenge to their survival. Additionally, persecution due to livestock predation and disease transfer from domestic and feral dogs continue to pose threats to their existence.
