Species Hang in the Balance

BINOMIAL NAME:

Cuon Alpinus

ANATOMICAL PROPORTIONS:

4-5 ft. (tip-to-tail)/ 4 ft. tall/ 26-44 lbs.

POPULATION (APPROXIMATE):

2,500

CONSERVATION STATUS:

ENDANGERED

DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT:

Hilly and mountainous forests of central and southern India

DIET:

Medium to large ungulates

SPECIES THREATS:

Deforestation, due to logging and human overpopulation, is the major destructive force facing dhole populations. General loss of habitat also includes dam construction and agricultural expansion.

Diseases---both naturally occurring and as the result of the fragmenting/less stable populations---predator persecution and inbreeding all contribute to dhole endangerment.

UNIQUE FACTS:

Dholes are highly social pack animals---they form packs that number anywhere from ten to forty individuals (mostly males), with one breeding female (typically, a monogamous pair).

Despite their relatively small size, dholes are famously tenacious and aggressive in their pursuit of prey---and its prey can be up to ten times its size.

DEVOTED ORGANIZATION:

Dhole Conservation Project

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