Dhole Returns to Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape
Recent research has confirmed the return of the dhole, or Asiatic wild dog, to the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) in Assam. This species, once thought to be locally extinct, was documented through camera-trap evidence in the Amguri corridor. The study marks the ecological importance of this area for the conservation of various threatened species.
Species Profile
The dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a social carnivore classified as endangered by the IUCN. It is known for its rusty-red coat and bushy black-tipped tail. Dholes typically form packs that can consist of up to 30 individuals, although they may hunt alone or in pairs depending on prey availability. This species plays important role in maintaining the balance of prey populations within forest ecosystems.
Habitat Requirements
Dholes prefer dense forests, scrublands, and mountainous terrains. They require large, undisturbed habitats with a high density of prey. The presence of dholes in the KKAL indicates the area’s capability to support diverse wildlife, including tigers and elephants.
Distribution and Current Status
Historically, the dhole’s range extended across South, Central, and Southeast Asia. However, its current distribution is less than a quarter of its historical extent due to habitat degradation, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict. In India, populations exist in various regions, including the Western Ghats and Northeast India. The last confirmed sighting in Northeast India was in Nagaland in 2011.
Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)
The KKAL covers approximately 25,000 square kilometres in Assam and extends into Meghalaya and Nagaland. It includes Kaziranga National Park and various protected areas. The landscape is characterised by tropical semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and marshy wetlands, contributing to its rich biodiversity, including the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger.
Ecological Significance
The KKAL serves as a critical genetic and movement corridor for megafauna. It is one of the last large continuous forest patches in Northeast India, playing a vital role in long-term species survival amidst a fragmented landscape. The discovery of the dhole reinforces the need for conservation efforts to protect these vital habitats.
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