The Dhole

Most people, even wildlife lovers, have never heard of the dhole. These wild, Asian canids are built like a coyote but tend to be a little larger and much less abundant than their American cousins. There are only around an estimated 2,500 dholes left in the wild.

The dhole is also called red dog, Indian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, whistling dog or whistling hunter. They are a member of Canidae family and are cousins to wolves and African painted dogs.

Dholes sometimes prey on livestock, especially in areas where native prey is depleted. This causes problems with livestock owners which is why dialogue with locals on the dholes's value to the ecosystem is so important.

Dholes once ranged from Russia to Indonesia. Now their stronghold is India with populations in Bhutan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia. Remnant populations may exist in Cambodia, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Korean Peninsula and Vietnam.

The Dhole Conservation Fund is a new initiative to help with funding local conservation projects for this Asiatic wild dog. Click here to learn more and donate.

According to our friends at dholes.org, these candids make a wide range of vocalizations that include whistles, whines, mews, yaps, squeaks, screams, growls, growl barks, and chatter calls; these are mainly used for short communications from dog to dog.