Ecology of dholes (Cuon alpinus
Pallas)
in Central India: An Update
- B. Bhaskar Acharya, Senior Research Fellow
Abstract
The project aims to collect information on dhole (Cuon alpinus) food habits, behaviour, social organisation, habitat use and ranging patterns, in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. The progress in fieldwork of the past year is presented.
One adult male dhole is being radio-tracked since August 2003. Ecological information on this pack (pack of 3 dholes: 2 males, 1 female) is being recorded. The data obtained from radio-tracking a female dhole in 2002 is also summarised. Data on pack characteristics, behaviour, activity and movements of dholes, are being recorded whenever a pack is encountered. Two other dhole packs (pack sizes: 18 and 16 respectively) are also being monitored. The diet of dholes is being assessed from their scats and kills.
Dhole prey relative abundance is being estimated from permanently marked transects (total length 40 km), during the dry season, using the Line Transect method. Encounter rates and group composition of prey species are also being estimated using vehicle-based road transects.
| 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, SRF |
| Funding Agency | : | WII Grant-in-aid |
| Date of Initiation & Completion | : | 10/01/2001 to 10/01/2004 |