It was the first-ever study on the carnivore, which was organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society–India, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, University of Florida, and Stanford University.
Context
A recent study finds that Wayanad sanctuary is thought to host nearly 50 individuals of dhole or Asiatic wild dogs.
About the Findings
- Study:It was the first-ever study on the carnivore, which was organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society–India, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, University of Florida, and Stanford University.
- Large Density: The results suggest that Wayanad supports high densities of the dhole along with the large tiger population.
- The presence of two large carnivores in such high densities is indicative of an abundant prey base and high-quality habitat.
Dhole
- It is native to Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia.
- It is also named Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog,whistling dog, red dog,and mountain wolf.
- It is categorized as Endangeredon the IUCN Red List.
National Parks with dhole population
- Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- Periyar National Park, Kerala
- Bandipur National Park, Karnataka
- Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
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- Methods involved: For the new study, scientists used a scientifically robust method to estimate dhole numbers using genetic information and advanced population models.
- Dhole scat (fecal droppings) were collected and DNA was extracted from it to identify unique dhole individuals
- Statistical methods called spatial capture-recapture models were used.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- The sanctuary is located in Wayanad, Kerala.
- It was established in 1973.
- The sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- It is surrounded by a protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast side by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.
- Fauna: Elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bison, deer, bears, monitor lizards, and a variety of snakes are seen.
- Flora: Moist deciduous forest consists of Maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboos, more, while the semi-evergreen patches comprise veteriaindica., lagerstroemia, lanceolata, termianaliapaniculata.
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