Endangered: The Dhole — Kabini, Karnataka

The Lesser-Known Apex Predator of Indian Forests

In a forest dominated by tigers and leopards, dholes (Indian wild dogs) stand out as efficient pack hunters that not only share their prey but also establish dominance over their territory. These highly social animals live in structured packs where, despite having alpha males and females, the hierarchy is less rigid compared to other pack animals. Their cooperative hunting strategies allow them to take down prey much larger than themselves, and depending on prey availability, they can hunt in both large packs and smaller sub-groups.

A Misty Morning Encounter in Kabini

During an early morning safari in Kabini, we were greeted by two dholes at 6:30 AM. The misty conditions made photography difficult, but the sheer joy of observing these agile creatures playing, chasing each other, and communicating through body language made up for it. As they finally settled down in the grass, our safari driver adjusted the vehicle’s position to get a better shot using the headlights for illumination.

Communication and Hunting Strategies

Dholes use a combination of body language and vocalizations to communicate with their pack members. One of their most fascinating behaviors is their whistling calls, earning them the nickname “whistling hunters.” These unique vocal signals help them coordinate attacks and stay connected in dense forest terrains. Despite sharing their habitat with apex predators like tigers and leopards, dholes are known to hold their ground. Tigers and leopards tend to avoid confrontations with a pack of dholes due to their coordinated defense strategies.

One of the most remarkable wildlife documentaries, The Pack by Krupakar Senani, showcases these fearless predators in action. It captures dholes cornering a leopard up a tree and even confronting an elephant, emphasizing their dominance when they work together.

Why Are Dholes Endangered?

The population of dholes has drastically declined over the years due to several factors:

1. Hunting in Colonial Times: During British rule, dholes were hunted extensively under the mistaken belief that they were responsible for declining game populations. Even though they rarely attacked livestock, they were persecuted out of fear.

   
   

2. Habitat Loss: Deforestation and human encroachment have led to a severe reduction in their natural habitat, making survival increasingly difficult.

   
   

3. Declining Prey Base: As their prey species dwindle due to poaching and habitat degradation, dholes struggle to find sufficient food.

   
   

Conservation Efforts & Future Prospects

Today, conservationists are working hard to protect dholes and their ecosystems. Efforts include strengthening anti-poaching laws, expanding protected areas, and increasing awareness about the ecological importance of these predators. Despite these measures, dholes remain on the endangered species list, making conservation efforts more crucial than ever.

Final Thoughts

The Indian wild dog is a remarkable species that plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Watching them in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the importance of preserving these unique creatures.

Recommendation: I highly recommend watching The Pack by Krupakar Senani, a documentary that offers incredible insights into the lives of dholes over 12 years of observation in Bandipur & Mudumalai reserve forests.

About Endangered: A Blog Series

This article is part of my ongoing Endangered blog series, focusing on species from the Western Ghats that are at risk of extinction. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of endangered wildlife!