First camera-trap evidence of Dhole Cuon alpinus Pallas, 1811 (Carnivora: Canidae) from the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, Assam, India

Authors

  • Mujahid Ahamad Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.
  • Jyotish Ranjan Deka Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8062-992X
  • Priyanka Borah Wildlife Institute of India
  • Umar Saeed Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.
  • Ruchi Badola Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.
  • Syed Ainul Hussain Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.9677.17.6.27125-27130%20

Keywords:

Asiatic Wild Dog, biodiversity hotspots, Brahmaputra floodplain, corridors, distribution, endangered species, fragmentation, northeastern India, trail camera, world heritage sites

Abstract

India is experiencing a decline in wildlife species due to habitat loss, deforestation, and climate change. Species once thought to be extirpated from certain areas are being rediscovered, offering hope for conservation efforts. The Dhole Cuon alpinus is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List and under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape is located in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. Photographic evidence of a Dhole from the Kaziranga-Karbi-Anglong landscape, Assam, is reported, where the species was previously extirpated. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in four identified corridors: Panbari, Haldhibari, Kanchanjuri, and Amguri. Based on these findings, camera traps were deployed. The identified corridor between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong is crucial for wildlife movement, particularly during floods. Both large and small animals utilize these corridors to disperse to Karbi-Anglong when water levels rise. As floodwaters recede, some animals return to their original habitats, while others disperse to new areas. A total of six photographs of a single Dhole were captured in the Amguri Corridor, highlighting the critical role of wildlife corridors in supporting the movement and survival of elusive carnivores like Dholes in fragmented, non-protected landscapes.

Author Biographies

Mujahid Ahamad, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

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Jyotish Ranjan Deka, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

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Priyanka Borah, Wildlife Institute of India

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Umar Saeed, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

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Ruchi Badola, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

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Syed Ainul Hussain, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani PO Box #18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India.

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Published

26-06-2025

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 6 (2025)

Section

Communications

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Copyright (c) 2025 Mujahid Ahamad, Jyotish Ranjan Deka, Priyanka Borah, Umar Saeed, Ruchi Badola, Syed Ainul Hussain

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