Revival of the Dhole: A Remarkable Comeback in Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong
Dhole's Return to Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong
In 2022, photographic evidence of a Dhole was reported from the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, where the species was previously extirpated.
Guwahati, May 24: The Dhole, an endangered Asiatic wild dog, has made a remarkable comeback in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong area, evolving from a solitary camera trap image in 2022 to confirmed sightings of a pack in 2026.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that ongoing efforts to enhance forest cover, improve habitat connectivity, and reclaim encroached lands are fostering an environment where wildlife can flourish. The resurgence of a top predator like the Dhole signifies not only the recovery of a single species but also a healthier ecosystem and the effectiveness of long-term conservation initiatives.
Once a prevalent predator in the region, the Dhole had disappeared from the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape. However, nature has a way of restoring balance.
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is making its presence felt once again.
In 2022, the first photographic evidence of the Dhole was captured in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong area, where it had previously vanished.
Surveys were carried out in four designated corridors: Panbari, Haldhibari, Kanchanjuri, and Amguri. Following these assessments, camera traps were set up.
Six photographs of a single Dhole were taken in the Amguri corridor, underscoring the vital importance of wildlife corridors for the movement and survival of elusive carnivores like Dholes in fragmented habitats.
Experts highlight that the corridor linking Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong is essential for wildlife movement, especially during flood events. Various species, both large and small, utilize these pathways to migrate to Karbi-Anglong when water levels rise. As the floodwaters recede, some animals return to their original habitats, while others explore new territories.
Recent sightings have also been reported in Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. In Assam, however, evidence of Dhole presence is scarce, with the most credible record dating back to 2010 in the Jeypore-Dihing Reserve Forest in Dibrugarh district. Although secondary sources mention sightings in the Patharia Hills Reserve Forest in Karimganj district, these claims lack sufficient reliability, according to a research paper.
Recent evidence of Dholes from Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram and other northeastern regions, including areas outside protected zones, indicates the species' continued existence in the area.
Historically, the Dhole's range extended from the Tian Shan and Altai mountains in the Russian Federation, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan, stretching southward through China, Tibet, Nepal, India, and Indochina.
By
Staff Reporter