Endangered Dhole Spotted in Kaziranga After Years of Absence

In a landmark moment for conservation in Northeast India, the elusive and endangered Asiatic wild dog, or dhole (Cuon alpinus), has made a surprising return to the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong landscape after a prolonged absence.

Captured on camera traps near the Amguri corridor, this rediscovery marks the first photographic evidence of the dhole in this region in years. The breakthrough comes as a significant boost for ecologists and forest officials striving to restore wildlife corridors between the Kaziranga plains and the adjoining Karbi Anglong hills.

The news was shared by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media, where he praised the scientific teams behind the effort:

“Behind every scientific breakthrough is years of hard work. In the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, after 3 years of extensive studies, researchers have confirmed the presence of dhole—a whistling hunter which can take down prey 8 times its body weight!”

Behind Every Scientific Breakthrough Is Years of Hard Work 🔬

In the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, after 3 years of extensive studies, researchers have confirmed the presence of Dhole (Cuon Alpinus), a whistling hunter which can take down prey 8 times its body weight! pic.twitter.com/MsNlUg09sW

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 3, 2025

A Predator Returns

The dhole, known for its intelligence, social behavior, and distinctive whistle-like communication, is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Once widespread across India, its numbers have dwindled due to habitat fragmentation, declining prey base, and increased conflict with humans.

“This is a truly significant moment,” said a senior forest official closely associated with the study. “The dhole’s return speaks volumes about the ecological value of our corridors and the growing impact of long-term conservation in Assam.”

The images were obtained as part of a long-term biodiversity monitoring program jointly conducted by researchers and the Assam Forest Department. Notably, the Amguri corridor, where the animal was captured on camera, lies dangerously close to National Highway 37 and several human settlements—highlighting the delicate balance between development and conservation.

Conservation Success — and Warning

Experts say the sighting is a positive indicator of habitat recovery in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape, long considered one of the richest yet most threatened forest ecosystems in eastern India.

“This rediscovery reaffirms the importance of landscape-level conservation,” said a field biologist involved in the study. “But we must not mistake this for a moment to relax. Species like the dhole are highly sensitive to disturbance. If we don’t act urgently to secure these corridors from encroachment and reckless development, we could lose them again.”

About the Dhole

Often overshadowed by the tiger and leopard, the dhole is among India’s least understood apex predators. Ecologists stress its crucial role in regulating prey populations, thus maintaining the health and balance of forest ecosystems. Dholes live in tight-knit packs and are known for their cooperative hunting strategies and complex social interactions.

A Landscape of Wonders

The Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong belt has, in recent years, revealed a treasure trove of rare and endangered species, including binturongs, small-clawed otters, and striped caecilians—a rare species of amphibian. It is also home to an extraordinary range of orchid species, reinforcing its status as a biodiversity hotspot.

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