Attributes of
prey species of the dhole (Cuon alpinus)
during monsoon 2001, in
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh
- B. Bhaskar Acharya, Junior Research Fellow
Abstract
The project aims to collect information on dhole (Cuon alpinus) status, habitat use and ranging patterns, food habits, behaviour, social organisation, and the abundance of its prey species, in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
Since May 2001, data regarding the encounter rates and group composition of prey species such as chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), gaur (Bos frontalis), wild pig (Sus scrofa) and langur (Semnopithecus entellus) have been recorded using vehicle-based counts. In addition, dhole scats and kills have also been collected whenever encountered. Preliminary information regarding the above attributes, mainly for the monsoon months of 2001, will be presented in this talk. Two dhole packs have been identified and their movement and activity patterns are under observation. Twelve Line Transects, average length of each 2.5 km, have been marked in the intensive study area. The systematic estimation of prey abundance using the Line Transect Method and the capture, radio-collaring and subsequent tracking of dhole packs will be initiated in the winter of 2001.
| Project Title | Ecology of the Dhole (Cuon alpinus pallas) in Central India. |
| PIs & Co-PIs | Dr. A.J.T. Johnsingh & Dr. K. Sankar |
| Researchers: | B. Bhaskar Acharya, JRF |
| Funding Agency: | Institute of terrestial ecology. |
| Date of Initiation & Completion | 10.01.2001 to 10.01.2004 |