Context: A new study has found that overlapping prey availability or habitat suitability could dictate a positive association between dholes and tigers, facilitating coexistence or even cooperative behaviours between the two species of carnivores.
Dhole (Cuon alpinus)
Dholes, also called Asiatic wild dogs, whistling dogs, red dogs etc. are social carnivores of the dog family (Canidae).
- Natural Habitat: They inhabit forests of central, south and southeast Asia. Habitat typically includes Tropical dry forests, Tropical wet forests, Temperate Forests and Production agroforests.
- They are naturally found in India and are mostly found in areas ranging from the foothills of Shivaliks, Northeastern India, Eastern parts of the Deccan plateau, and the Eastern Ghats along with the Western Ghats.
- Social behaviour – They live in clans rather than packs, as the pack refers to a group of animals that always hunt together. In contrast, dhole clans frequently break into small packs of three to five animals, particularly during the spring season.
- IUCN Status – Endangered
