picture of a dhole Cuon Alpinus
Predator Conservation Trust:Dhole information: Asiatic Wild Dog: Cuon
Indian Wild Dog
DESCRIPTION
The Dhole is a dog like mammal, sometimes referred to as the "Red Dog" but
their coat actually varies from a rich mahogany red to a brownish grey or even
pale sandy colour. The males stand around 40-55cm high at the shoulder and
weigh up to 20Kg. The females are slightly smaller than the males.
BEHAVIOUR
Dholes live in packs which typically consist of between 5 and 12 individuals.
Their home ranges vary in size depending on the availability of prey and range
from 23 to 83 square kilometres. Several packs may come together
infrequently to form larger temporary groups, particularly during the breeding
season. The males in the pack have a dominance structure, but it is
unclear if females have a similar dominance structure.
PREY
In India, Dholes prey on Sambar, Chital, swamp deer, nilgai, blackbuck, gaur,
wild pigs, ground dwelling birds and rodents. Chital make up the majority
of their diet. In Siberia their diet includes Reindeer and in Tibet they
are known to prey on sheep. Dholes hunt in packs and cooperate to catch
their prey which they kill by eviscerating it in a similar way to how African
Wild Dogs kill their prey.
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