Asiatic Wild Dog
Source: The Hindu
GS III: Environment Conservation
Overview
- News in Brief
- Dhole/Asiatic Wild Dog
- About Kaziranga National Park
Why in the News?
Researchers have documented the first camera-trap evidence of the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus)—also known as the Asiatic wild dog—in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, Assam
News in Brief
- This rediscovery is significant as the species was previously believed to be locally extinct in the region.
- The image was captured in the Amguri corridor (a vital wildlife linkage between Kaziranga National Park and Karbi Anglong hills).
- It was taken just 375 metres from a national highway, emphasising the threat posed by human infrastructure in critical wildlife habitats.
Dhole/Asiatic Wild Dog
- The dhole is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Its decline across Asia has been due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and human-wildlife conflict.
- The rediscovery of the dhole enhances the region’s conservation value and highlights the importance of preserving wildlife corridors in Northeast India.
About Kaziranga National Park
- It is located in Northeast Indian state of Assa.
- The park is approximately 40 km (25 mi) in length from east to west, and 13 km (8 mi) in breadth from north to south.
- It is a world heritage site, notified by the UNESCO in 1985.
- World’s largest population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros is seen in this park.
- The park is a shelter to endangered Royal Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant.
- Brahmaputra river flowing through this region.
- Another important fact is that Kaziranga contains significant breeding populations of 35 mammalian species, of which 15 are threatened as per the IUCN Red List.
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