Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole)

A mange outbreak has been reported among Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole) in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, highlighting the conservation challenges faced by this endangered species.

About Asiatic Wild Dogs (Dhole):

• Known as Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red wolf, red dog, and mountain wolf.
• These dogs are similar in size to small wolves or domestic dogs. They are carnivorous and most active during early morning and late evening.

Distribution and Habitat

• Geographic Regions: Dholes are found across India, Cambodia, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand. Within India, their strongholds are in the Eastern and Western Ghats, Central India, and North East India.
• They are also seen in Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Ladakh.
• Habitat Types: They live in a variety of habitats, including dense jungles, steppes, mountains, scrub forests, and pine forests.

Conservation Status

• Dholes are considered endangered by the IUCN Red List.
• They are listed in Schedule II of India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• They are also under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Key Threats

• The primary threats to Dholes are habitat loss and diseases like mange. These factors put additional pressure on their already dwindling populations.

Interesting Fact

• Dholes are known for their unique whistle-like calls, which they use to communicate with each other in dense forest environments.

About Mange Disease:

• Mange is caused by mite infestations, affecting mammals, including domestic animals.
• It causes symptoms like inflammation, itching, thickened skin, and hair loss.
• Sarcoptes scabiei is the most severe form of mange, also causing scabies in humans. The disease can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects.
• Despite its severity, most forms of mange are treatable.

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